The Socialist Workers Party (SWP) has been widely condemned after posting “Hurrah! She’s dead!” in response to the death of Ann Widdecombe. Former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ms Widdecombe, 78, a staunchly conservative figure known for her uncompromising views on issues including abortion, immigration, and LGBT rights, was discovered on Thursday.

Police are investigating after reports of a serious head wound at her Devon home in a suspected murder. Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage praising her “decisive role” in delivering Brexit, and senior Conservatives describing her as a “formidable” and “feisty” parliamentarian.

The SWP’s now-deleted post, which reportedly played on her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, triggered immediate outrage. On air, LBC presenter Iain Dale, a friend of Ms Widdecombe’s, expressed disbelief: “What on earth goes through people’s minds?” Mr Dale noted the party had since removed the tweet but highlighted a pattern of celebratory reactions from elements of the hard left.

Critics accused the far-left group of descending into ghoulish partisanship. The response has been described as “vile” and “monstrous” on social media and in commentary, with many arguing that political disagreement should never extend to rejoicing in violent death.

Ms Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP for Maidstone for 23 years, holding ministerial roles in the Major government covering social security, employment, and prisons. She later became an MEP for the Brexit Party and joined Reform UK in 2023 as its immigration and justice spokeswoman.

The controversy deepened with remarks from veteran gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, who posted calling Ms Widdecombe a “BIGOT”. He has since deleted the message and issued an apology, stating: “I apologise for my insensitive comments about Ann Widdecombe’s death. Nobody deserves to die, no matter what they believe in.”

Her career was marked by strong social conservatism. Ms Widdecombe opposed the legalisation of abortion, resisted aspects of LGBT rights reforms, and defended traditional family values rooted in her Catholic faith.

These positions made her a hate figure for some on the left but earned her a loyal following among those who valued plain-speaking politicians. Her later television appearances, including Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother, broadened her public profile beyond Westminster.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed shock at the “awful” circumstances of her death, while other figures across parties emphasised respect for her long service despite policy differences. Devon and Cornwall Police have appealed for information, stating they are pursuing a suspect and do not currently treat the incident as terrorism-related.

The episode has reignited debates about the coarsening of political discourse in Britain, particularly online. While free speech advocates defend the right to criticise public figures, many have drawn a line at exulting in murder. The SWP has not issued a public statement addressing the backlash at the time of writing.

Ms Widdecombe’s friends and colleagues remember her as a woman of deep conviction who never shied away from debate. Her death, under such violent circumstances, has left a void in right-leaning politics and prompted soul-searching about basic human decency in an era of polarised tribalism.

Express.co.uk has contacted the SWP for comment.