Veteran broadcaster Adam Boulton has apologised after describing the late Ann Widdecombe as a "spinster" and "an old maid" during a Sky News broadcast following her murder. Boulton acknowledged that his choice of words was "wrong and insensitive", and the apology has drawn attention because it came while the former Conservative MP's death was still being reported and investigated.

The remarks were made on television in the aftermath of Widdecombe's killing, which detectives are treating as a murder. According to related coverage, her body reportedly lay undiscovered for around 24 hours, a 26-year-old who had been detained was released, and police launched a fresh manhunt for her killer. Boulton's comments, which some viewers regarded as demeaning towards an unmarried woman, prompted criticism that led to his public acknowledgement and apology.