Farage accused of ‘exploiting’ Ann Widdecombe’s death as ‘political propaganda’
Nigel Farage has been accused of using Ann Widdecombe’s death as “political propaganda” after he said he believed the former minister’s death was “premeditated murder”.
The former Conservative MP and former Reform UK spokesman was found dead at his home in Haytor, Dartmoor, on Thursday morning after suffering serious injuries.
A 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder in Rotherham, 160 miles away, on Saturday evening.
Earlier on Saturday, Mr Farage paid tribute to Ms Widdecombe, telling reporters he did not believe her death was “a burglary gone wrong” and said a car appeared on the road at around 12.25pm on Wednesday.
Former Conservative MP Harvey Proctor, a close friend of Ms Widdecombe, said: Times: “Ann Widdecombe was too valuable to her family, friends and former colleagues for her murder to be used as political propaganda.
“Police have clearly asked the public not to speculate about the cause of the incident, so it is deeply disappointing that Nigel Farage has chosen to do exactly that.”
The reform leader has faced mounting criticism in recent weeks after it was revealed he failed to declare a £5 million gift given to him by crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne shortly before he became an MP.
Mr Farage initially said the money was used to fund his personal security due to threats to his safety.
A source said mail on sunday He said Ms Widdecombe’s family “did not want her death to be hijacked for political purposes” and were “very uneasy” about Mr Farage joining the scene of the inquest.
It comes after Devon and Cornwall Police deputy chief constable Matt Longman appealed against speculation on Sunday.
He said: “We are aware of online and public speculation, particularly regarding motive.
“Once again, I urge people not to share or engage in this speculation – it is unhelpful, unhelpful to our investigation and particularly distressing for Ms Widdecombe’s family and friends.”
Responding to Mr Proctor’s criticism, Mr Farage said: Times: “Harvey was very close to Ann, I know she was upset but I was really careful not to get political.
“What I said was very clear, I said I wasn’t going to speculate whether it was someone with a grudge, whether it was someone with a mental health issue, whether it was someone with political issues.
“I also said that I don’t believe for a second that there was a burglary gone wrong, and I’m 100 percent sure I was right about that.”
Meanwhile, Reform activist Matt Goodwin also said on social media: “Imagine someone saying Labor MPs are using Jo Cox’s murder for ‘propaganda’. So why would you say that about Nigel Farage?”
“Nigel knew Ann. He respected Ann. And they were incredibly good friends. The treatment of Farage is absolutely disgraceful.”
