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DANIEL HANNAN: Here’s why the Left revel in the deaths of political opponents in a way Right-wing people never would…
In this opinion piece for the Daily Mail, columnist Daniel Hannan argues that left-wing figures react to the deaths of political opponents with a lack of grace or even satisfaction that he says would be unthinkable from the political right. The piece appears prompted by the death of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe, after a left-wing activist remarked on the television programme Politics Live that "a lot of people won't be grieving" her passing, sparking anger among viewers and commentators.
Hannan uses the episode to make a broader claim about differing standards of political conduct between left and right, suggesting such responses reveal a deeper asymmetry in how each side treats opponents in death. The full detail of his argument is not captured in the available article text, which is dominated by unrelated site navigation and other Daily Mail headlines rather than the substantive body of the column.
In short
- Hannan claims the Left mocks deaths of opponents; Right does not
- Row follows activist's remark about Ann Widdecombe's death on Politics Live
- Comment sparked public anger, cited as evidence of Hannan's argument
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Hannan contends that left-wing figures, as exemplified by comments surrounding Ann Widdecombe's death, too often lack the restraint and decorum shown by right-wing figures when political opponents die, revealing a troubling asymmetry in standards of civility. This matters because democracies depend on mutual respect, particularly in moments that transcend partisan division; when prominent figures treat death as an occasion for derision rather than reflection, it coarsens public discourse and erodes the shared humanity that politics must ultimately rest upon. The pattern suggests deeper differences in how each side understands the obligations we owe one another as fellow citizens, regardless of disagreement.
The case against
Whilst Hannan identifies instances of poor grace from left-wing figures, critics argue that establishing a genuine asymmetry requires more systematic evidence than isolated examples can provide. Right-wing figures have similarly made callous remarks about the deaths of left-wing opponents; without comprehensive comparison across the political spectrum, it remains unclear whether the left genuinely shows less restraint or whether Hannan's observations reflect confirmation bias in which examples he notices and emphasises. Both sides include figures of grace and figures lacking it, and attributing moral superiority to one side risks precisely the kind of partisan thinking that damages democratic discourse.
Explained simply
Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative member of parliament, has died. Following her death, a comment made on the BBC television programme Politics Live drew criticism, with a left-wing activist suggesting that not everyone would mourn her passing.
Columnist Daniel Hannan has published an opinion piece in the Daily Mail prompted by this episode. He argues that left-wing political figures have responded to the deaths of their opponents with a lack of grace that would be unthinkable if the political right behaved similarly.
The piece addresses broader questions about standards of political conduct, particularly around how figures across the political spectrum treat their opponents following their death. It reflects wider concerns about the tone of contemporary political debate.