The hard-left have reacted to Ann Widdecombe’s death with a string of sick social media posts celebrating the tragedy. 

Activists posted hateful messages about the former Tory minister turned Reform UK supporter within hours of her death being announced this morning. 

Many pointed to her staunch views on social issues, with one describing her as ‘homophobic’ and rejoicing at the sad news.

Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell was roundly criticised for an X post this afternoon in which he wrote: ‘Tory ex-MP #AnnWiddecombe is dead!

‘She opposed every gay law reform for 40 years, supporting every legal discrimination against LGBTs.

‘She also backed bids to “cure” homosexuality & said people should have the right to discriminate against LGBTs. BIGOT!’

He later deleted the post and insisted he was horrified by her murder. 

‘Contrary to the responses to my earlier post, I did NOT “celebrate” Ann Widdecombe’s death. RIP,’ he said. 

Ann Widdecombe appearing on Talk TV on Wednesday. Her death was announced this morning 

The Socialist Worker newspaper reacted to the tragedy with a headline reading ‘Hurrah! Ann Widdecombe is strictly dead’

‘I highlighted the harm & suffering she helped cause to LGBTs. My post was scheduled long before reports that she was murdered were published.

‘I only heard this 10 minutes ago No one deserves to die – let alone be murdered. RIP Ann.’

Mr Thatchall later issued an apology for his ‘insensitive comments’ about Ms Widdecombe’s death, sending ‘sincere condolences’ to the former MPs loved ones. 

Taking to X again, he wrote: ‘I apologise for my insensitive comments about Anne Widdecombe’s death. 

‘Nobody deserves to die, no matter what they believe in. 

‘My sincere condolences to Ann’s family & friends.

‘I support the police investigation & want justice for Ann.’ 

Known for her redoubtable, no-nonsense nature, Ms Widdecombe spent more than two decades as a Tory MP before becoming a Brexit Party MEP and joining Reform UK in 2023.

Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell was roundly criticised for an X post this afternoon in which he wrote: ‘Tory ex-MP #AnnWiddecombe is dead!’

But he later deleted the post and shared a new one in which he insisted he was horrified by her murder

Mr Thatchall later issued an apology for his ‘insensitive comments’ about Ms Widdecombe’s death, sending ‘sincere condolences’ to the former MPs loved ones

She was last seen on Wednesday while appearing on Talk TV to back Nigel Farage in the Clacton by-election.

The Socialist Worker newspaper responded to the tragedy with a headline reading ‘Hurrah! Ann Widdecombe is strictly dead’.

Sharing their horror at the headline, a Reform UK spokesman told the Daily Mail: ‘Regardless of your political persuasion, this headline is disgusting beyond belief. 

‘The Socialist Worker should be ashamed of themselves. They should apologise to Ann’s friends and family immediately.’  

Police found Miss Widdecombe with ‘serious injuries’ after an ambulance crew called them to her house in Haytor, Dartmoor at 11.40am yesterday.

In an update this afternoon, Devon and Cornwall Police said officers had begun a murder inquiry and were hunting a ‘white male’ who they ‘believe is responsible’.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman has now told a press conference that a 26-year-old white British man has been arrested at an address in Newton Abbot.

Miss Widdecombe’s death aged 78 was first announced by her management team this morning and there had been no suggestion of anything other than natural causes.

It is understood she was found covered in blood after suffering a serious head wound.

Mr Longman said there was ‘no information’ at this time to suggest the murder was a ‘politically motivated crime’ and it is not being treated as terror-related.

He told reporters: ‘A 26-year-old man was arrested in Newton Abbot this afternoon on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe. The suspect, who is a white British national, remains in police custody while inquiries continue.

‘While we work closely with our partners and consulted counter-terrorism policing as part of our initial inquiries, the incident is not being treated as terrorism.’

Forensic officers are in the process of examining Miss Widdecombe’s property, which is surrounded by a cordon.

Mr Longman said the inquiry is ‘in its early stages’ but ‘moving at significant pace’.

Miss Widdecombe became a Brexit Party MEP and later a Reform UK supporter 

Miss Widdecombe also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

Sir Keir Starmer described the announcement of a murder investigation as ‘really shocking news’ and praised the former MP as a ‘distinguished politician’. He refused to comment when asked if he thought the murder could be politically motivated.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the circumstances as ‘extremely distressing’ but urged the public not to speculate.

Tory leader Mrs Badenoch said she was ‘stunned’ by the development and said her ‘heart is breaking for her family’.

‘To be honest, I’ve really struggled to find the words to say,’ she told reporters. ‘Ann Widdecombe was a very fun and feisty woman who spoke her mind and she was 78 years old, she was an elderly woman.

‘I don’t understand how someone could do something so horrific to an elderly person. It was a nasty, horrific attack and my heart is breaking for her family.

‘It’s one thing when someone dies, but to know that they’ve been murdered in this horrible way is just awful.

‘The Conservative Party is reeling. Ann was a long-standing member of the Conservative Party, she was a Conservative minister, and then she moved to Reform.’