SKY News presenter Adam Boulton has been accused of making “inappropriate and disrespectful” comments about Ann Widdecombe in light of her death.
The commentator appeared on the channel after the 78-year-old former Tory minister was at her remote Devon home.
Ann Widdecombe was found dead on Thursday Credit: Getty – Pool
Adam Boulton has been called out over his description of Ann hours after her death was revealed Credit: Sky News
and are now hunting a “white male” who they believe to be responsible.
Speaking about Ann’s life on Sky News, broadcaster Adam said: “She was very much a spinster. By the end she could be described as an old maid. Reportedly, Ann claimed she was a virgin.
“She had a relationship at Oxford Uni… It was a doomed relationship with a man who is now a banker.
“Since then she claimed to have no interest in having relationships and dedicated herself to her activities.”
He added: “She was a major political character.
“She would stomp around the stage telling the delegates how she viewed the world. She was definitely a bruiser.
“She refused to let people touch her when she was sitting down the line. She wouldn’t have an ear piece in, she thought it was unhealthy.
“You had to work out a way to get the sound without her ears having to be violated in some way.”
The comments led to fury online, with one viewer writing: “Sky News have just had Adam Boulton on to talk about Ann Widdecombe and for some bizarre reason he said she was an old maid and a virgin. I find that really inappropriate and disrespectful.”
Another said: “I am watching Adam Boulton speak about her on Sky News right now, and he is being brutal. Calling her a battleaxe and speaking about her private life in a very blunt way. I never agreed or liked Ann, but on a day like this, Adam shouldn’t be speaking like that.”
A viewer said: “Surely after the insensitive and inappropriate comments by Adam Boulton he should resign with immediate effect.”
Someone else wrote: “Adam Boulton being interviewed about Ann Widdecombe, called her an “old maid”, totally disrespectful & some other things need to be talked about at a different time, not just after announcement of someone’s murder.”
A Sky News viewer: “Adam Boulton currently ranting about Ann Widdecombe being a “spinster” and an “old maid” on Sky News while awaiting a police statement on a potential murder investigation…
“Just blatant petty misogyny, but it’s deemed “OK” because Widdecombe was a socially conservative Catholic.
“He presumably thinks it’s ok to slyly disparage a (possibly murdered) elderly woman for not having married or had children, because he thinks he has the “correct” opinions on women as a group. Just odious.”
Someone else added: “Horrible judgmental interview by Adam Boulton on Sky News. Describing Ann Widdecombe as an ‘old maid’, ‘spinster’ and ‘bruiser’.
“He goes on to speculate that it was a break in for valuables. Police have asked people not to speculate, so don’t. Nasty and disappointing journalism.”
Another said: “Disgraceful behaviour. The woman’s dead, murdered Have some respect.”
Adam is best known as being the founding Political Editor of Sky News from 1989 to 2014.
In recent years he has worked across various channels as a political analyst.
Following her retirement from in 2010, Widdecombe swapped the Commons for the ballroom and starred in ‘s .
went on to appear in ITV favourite , where she finished runner-up to Aussie singer .
Issuing a statement, her management confirmed earlier today: “It is with great sadness that today we announce the death of the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, DSG.
“Her life and career were driven by her strong Christian values and commitment to public service.
“She loved the cut and thrust of political debate and, 16 years after leaving Parliament, was still actively campaigning for .
“Ann was a valued patron of many causes, particularly her animal charities.
“As Ann once said on The Show, ‘we get one go this side of eternity, one go. Life is not a dress rehearsal, you take opportunities that you like and you go for it, that’s my philosophy’.
“We send our deepest condolences to Ann’s family and friends.
“We ask that the family’s wish not to be contacted at this sad time is respected.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
