Former Sky News presenter Adam Boulton has apologised after a furious backlash over comments he made about Ann Widdecombe following news of the murder investigation into her death. The political commentator admitted he got the "timing and tone" wrong after describing the former Conservative minister as a "spinster" and "old maid" during live television coverage. The controversy erupted as police continued investigating Widdecombe's death after she was found with serious injuries at her Dartmoor home on Thursday morning. Boulton's remarks prompted widespread criticism, with opponents accusing him of making insensitive comments at the worst possible moment. Initially, Boulton refused to apologise. The veteran broadcaster, who described himself as "a reporter who knew her for decades", insisted he was simply stating facts while reflecting on Widdecombe's life and career. Speaking during the live broadcast, he 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." The comments immediately sparked outrage on social media and among political figures. Critics branded the remarks "truly vile" and accused Boulton of showing a lack of respect while a murder investigation was unfolding. On Saturday, Boulton issued a public apology on X. He acknowledged that his original contribution had been poorly judged and accepted that he had caused offence. "I got the timing and tone of my initial word portrait of her wrong," he wrote. "Of course I shared, and share, the horror at her murder and the respect for her remarkable and feisty political career." He also recognised Widdecombe's popularity beyond politics. Boulton said many people loved her for her later television career and described her death as "a horrible thing." Explaining his comments, he said he believed he had been asked to contribute in the role of an obituarist because he had known Widdecombe and covered her career since the 1980s. Looking back, he said that approach had been premature. Boulton insisted he had not been expressing his personal opinions. Instead, he said he had been discussing Widdecombe's public life using known facts, comments she had made about herself and his own recollections of working with her. He admitted his wording had been clumsy and said he never intended to offend, even though he recognised that many people had taken offence. The apology came after former Conservative chancellor and Reform UK member Nadhim Zahawi urged him to withdraw the remarks. Zahawi described the original comments as "awful, twisted and utterly without decency." Before issuing his apology, Boulton rejected those demands. Responding on Friday, he wrote: "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." He also argued that Widdecombe herself "never gilded the lily and would expect nothing less." Reform MP Robert Jenrick also criticised Boulton, saying the broadcaster had shown his "true colours." He added that while Widdecombe had political opponents, she had always shown kindness to others and would never have used similar language about her rivals. Former Olympic swimmer and women's rights campaigner Sharron Davies also condemned the remarks. She said she disagreed with Widdecombe on many issues but described Boulton's comments as unpleasant and unnecessary, adding that recognising Widdecombe's commitment to her beliefs and hard work would have been sufficient. The article notes that Widdecombe had previously described herself as "toothy, dumpy, and a spinster." Meanwhile, the murder investigation continues. A 26-year-old British man who was arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday has since been released and police say he is no longer part of the investigation. Detectives believe Widdecombe was attacked around 24 hours before her body was discovered. It also emerged that she failed to attend a scheduled Channel 5 video interview on Wednesday afternoon and could not be contacted despite repeated attempts. As the search for her killer continues, attention remains focused both on the ongoing police investigation and on the fierce public reaction sparked by Boulton's remarks and subsequent apology. Former Sky News presenter sorry for 'insensitive' Widdecombe comments
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