Nigel Farage has been blasted for what’s been deemed a “vulgar performance” when he was remembering Ann Widdecombe. The politician was seen laying flowers in her memory
Nigel Farage has come under fire for what’s been deemed a “vulgar performance” when he was remembering Ann Widdecombe. It’s reported he visited the village where she died on the weekend in order to pay his respects, but he’s quickly come under fire.
Footage of Farage laying flowers in Ann’s memory has since gone viral on X after people were quick to spot something that didn’t sit well with them. Though he was commended for paying his respects, there was something about his appearance that many didn’t seem to like, with some going as far as to call his actions “vulgar”.
It comes after Ann was found dead at her home last week. Yesterday, an update was released regarding the ongoing murder investigation.
One person who shared a clip of the moment was Jamie Kay, who said: “Nigel Farage laying flowers for Ann Widdecombe may have been sincere, but turning up for a heavily photographed public tribute inevitably feels performative. At a moment like this, the focus should remain on her life and those grieving, not on another politician’s public image.”
This was accompanied by a video of Farage laying flowers, but he appeared to wait for a nod from someone before doing so. Some people think this is because he wanted the moment captured on camera, though it’s not clear whether that was the case.
Others also considered it “disrespectful” that the moment was filmed in the first place. However, there may have been reasons why this happened, as he was seen speaking to reporters, too.
One said: “With the cameras there Nige. Pay your respects in private like any decent human being would and not use it for a photo display.”
Another added: “It really didn’t have to be publicised. It should be a private moment in respect of Ann’s family. Vulgar.”
A third replied: “He appears to check that the camera is going before he advances.” Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “Everything he does has a performative angle.”
However, not everyone agreed with this stance. Some people thought people were too quick to criticise and believe he shouldn’t be singled out for his actions.
Someone else said: “All politicians do it. How I’d love them not to.”
A different person noted: “Surely you’re not blaming him for the news cameras being in the area filming him?” Another noted: “Ann Widdecombe wouldn’t mind this one bit. That’s what matters most.”
Last week, it was confirmed that Ann Widdecombe had died. Devon and Cornwall Police said the former Tory minister was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at about 11.40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.
On Saturday night, in a statement, Devon and Cornwall Police said: “We can confirm that a 28-year-old man was arrested at an address in the South Yorkshire area this evening (July 11) on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe. Miss Widdecombe’s family have been informed of this development.”