Former Sky News presenter slammed for calling Ann Widdecombe ‘spinster’ amid murder probe
Political commentator Adam Boulton has come under fire after labeling Ann Widdecombe a “spinster” and “old maid” during a murder investigation into the former Tory MP’s death.
The former Sky News presenter has been asked to apologize for remarks condemned as “appalling, perverse” statements.
But Mr Boulton refused to apologize, arguing that he was “sticking to the facts” as a “reporter who has known him for decades”.
He added: “Widders never gilded the lily and would have expected nothing less.”
Police have launched a murder investigation after former Conservative Party minister Ms Widdecombe was found dead at her home on Thursday. A 26-year-old British man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday afternoon.
Speaking on live television following news of the murder investigation, Mr Boulton said: “She was a complete spinster, I think you’d probably end up describing her as an old maid. Reportedly, she claimed to be a virgin.”
Former Tory chancellor and UK Reform member Nadhim Zahawi wrote to X: “I hope Adam apologizes and retracts these vile remarks immediately.
“It’s horrifying, perverted and completely immoral,” he added.
In response, Mr Boulton said: “No thank you. I’m sticking to the facts. You and others like you must stop trying to exploit the horrific death of a national figure. The police say no evidence of a political or terrorist motive.”
Reform MP Robert Jenrick also condemned her comment, saying: “Boulton shows his true colors here. Ann had her detractors but had the decency to see beyond the politics. She was too polite to use such language to describe her political rivals.”
Ms Widdecombe has previously described herself as “toothy, plump and a spinster”.
He was a leading Eurosceptic and supported the Vote Leave campaign during the 2016 Brexit referendum.
The former minister became a member of the Brexit Party from 2019 and served as the MP representing South West England in Brussels between 2019 and 2020, before joining Nigel Farage’s Reform UK in 2023.
continued to be a star Definitely Come Dance and then it turned out Celebrity Big BrotherHe finished second in 2018.
At The Spectator, deputy editor Madeline Grant wrote of X: “Adam Boulton speaks maliciously about Ann Widdecombe in front of what looks like her own picture.
“He describes her—a possible murder victim—as a ‘spinster,’ a ‘battleaxe,’ a ‘creator,’ an ‘old maid,’ and mentions her virginity before irresponsibly speculating about her death. Terrible, awful stuff.”
Former Olympic swimmer and women’s rights activist Sharron Davies also hit out at Mr Boulton.
He said: “These men are truly vile… (they do not like women with opinions.) I disagree with Ann Widdecombe on many things, but these are some very unpleasant and unnecessary comments.
“Staying true to his beliefs and working extremely hard would also be enough. Believe people when they show you who they are.”
Mr Boulton replied: “I’m a fact-based journalist.”
Sky News has been contacted for comment.
