Richard Tice accuses media of ‘contempt’ following accusations Farage is using Ann Widdecombe’s death as ‘propaganda’
Reform UK’s deputy leader has accused the media of attempts to “smear and discredit” the party’s leaders over their response to the murder of Ann Widdecombe.
Ms Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister, joined Reform as a spokeswoman.
Richard Tice directed ire at The Times following a report that Nigel Farage was accused of using Ms Widdecombe’s death as political propaganda.
“You are sick”, he said on X. “Your contempt bordering on hatred of Nigel, myself & Reform means you stoop to any low to smear & discredit us. You lie, libel and make things up.
“How many more Reform politicians do you want dead?
Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 10:40
Sir Iain Duncan Smith: ‘This is not an Agatha Christie novel’
Former Conservative party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith has warned against speculation around former minister Ann Widdecombe’s murder.
“Speculating doesn’t help, and in public life we do run risks because the whole purpose of politics is to be close to the people and that is how it works and we never want to change that,” he said. “I don’t think there’s much point in trying to speculate about her death publicly.
“Don’t speculate publicly, don’t try and give some news interview in which you’re able to tell everybody what you think.
“This is not an Agatha Christie novel, this is real life and it’s a real murder.”
(Getty)
Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 10:33
Watch: Man ‘with stick left house linked to Widdecombe murder suspect and drove away’Man ‘with stick left house linked to Widdecombe murder suspect and drove away’
Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 10:00
Reform politician hits back at accusation party is exploiting Ann Widdecombe’s death
Reform politician Matt Goodwin has hit back at accusations that the party is exploiting Ann Widdecombe’s death.
He said on social media: “Imagine if somebody had said Labour MPs were using the murder of Jo Cox for ‘propaganda’.
“Then why say it about Nigel Farage? Nigel knew Ann. He respected Ann. And they were incredibly good friends.
“The treatment of Farage is nothing short of disgraceful.”
Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 09:42
Police continue questioning man over suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe
Police are continuing to question a man over the suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe.
A 28-year-old white British man was arrested at an address in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday evening, and is understood to remain in police custody.
The police can hold suspects for up to 24 hours before they have to charge them with a crime or release them.
They can apply to hold suspects for up to 36 or 96 hours if they are suspected of a serious crime, such as murder.
Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 09:00
South Yorkshire Police Tactical Support Group van parked outside house linked to suspect on Sunday
On Sunday evening, a South Yorkshire Police Tactical Support Group van was parked outside the Rotherham house linked to the Ann Widdecombe murder suspect.
At least two other marked vehicles, and forensics officers in white overalls were going in and out of the property in Byrley Road in the Kimberworth Park area of Rotherham – more than 200 miles from the former minister’s home in Devon.
Police activity in Rotherham (Dave Higgens/PA) (PA Wire)
Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 09:00
Ann Widdecombe’s final messages sent minutes before death revealed
Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 08:30
Watch: The police’s latest update in Ann Widdecombe murder as suspect, 28, arrestedPolice issue update in Ann Widdecombe murder as suspect, 28, arrested
Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 08:13
Ex-Tory MP accuses Farage of using Ann Widdecombe’s death as propaganda
Former Conservative MP Harvey Proctor has told Nigel Farage to avoid turning Ann Widdecombe’s death into political propaganda after the Reform UK leader suggested her murder was premeditated.
“Ann Widdecombe was far too dear to her family, friends and former colleagues for her murder to be exploited as political propaganda,” Mr Proctor told The Times.
“The police have expressly asked the public not to speculate about the motive. It is therefore deeply disappointing that Nigel Farage has chosen to do precisely that.”
Mr Farage responded: “Harvey was very close to Ann, I know he is upset, but I was really careful not to be political.
“I was very clear in what I said. I said I would not speculate as to whether it was someone with a grudge, someone with mental health problems or someone with political problems.
“I also said very clearly that I didn’t believe for one moment that it was a burglary that went wrong and I am 100 per cent certain I am right on that.”
Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 08:00
In pictures: Reform UK leadership pay tribute to Ann Widdecombe
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Bryony Gooch13 July 2026 07:48