Political commentator Adam Boulton has come under fire after labelling Ann Widdecombe a “spinster” and an “old maid” amid a murder investigation into the ex-Tory MP’s death.
The former Sky News presenter has been urged to apologise for what has been condemned as “awful, twisted” remarks.
But Mr Boulton has refused to say sorry, asserting that he “sticks to the facts” as a “reporter who knew her for decades”.
He added: “Widders herself never gilded the lily and would expect nothing less.”
Police have launched a murder probe after Ms Widdecombe, a former Tory minister, was found dead at her house on Thursday. A 26-year-old British man was arrested on suspicion of her murder on Friday afternoon.
Speaking on live television after news of the murder probe, Mr Boulton said: “She was very much a spinster, by the end I think you’d probably describe her as an old maid. Reportedly, she claimed that she was a virgin.”
Former Tory chancellor and Reform UK member, Nadhim Zahawi, took to X, writing: “I hope Adam apologises and retracts these vile remarks immediately.
“Awful, twisted and utterly without decency,” he added.
In response, Mr Boulton said: “No thanks. I stick to the facts. You and your ilk should stop trying to exploit the horrific death of a national personality. Police say no evidence of political or terror motive.”
Reform MP Robert Jenrick also condemned his comment, saying: “Boulton shows his true colours here. Ann had her detractors but she had the good grace to be able to see beyond politics. She was far too kind to use that kind of language to describe her political rivals.”
Ms Widdecombe had previously described herself as a “toothy, dumpy, and a spinster”.
She was a prominent 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 an MEP representing South West England in Brussels between 2019 and 2020 before joining Nigel Farage’s Reform UK in 2023.
She went on to star on Strictly Come Dancing and later appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, where she finished second, in 2018.
Madeline Grant, an assistant editor at The Spectator, wrote on X: “Adam Boulton talking mean-spiritedly about Ann Widdecombe in front of what looks like a picture of himself.
“He describes her – a possible murder victim – as a ‘spinster’, a ‘battleaxe’, ‘a bruiser’, an ‘old maid’, and mentions her virginity, before speculating irresponsibly about her death. Horrible, horrible stuff.”
Former Olympic swimmer and women’s rights activist Sharron Davies also hit out at Mr Boulton.
She said: “These men are truly vile … (don’t like women with views). Lots of things I disagreed with Ann Widdecombe on, but these are very unpleasant & unnecessary comments.
“Committed to her beliefs & extremely hard working would have also sufficed. When people show you who they are, believe them.”
Mr Boulton replied: “I am a fact based journalist.”
Sky News has been contacted for comment.
