Nigel Farage has led tributes to Ann Widdecombe, describing the former Daily Express columnist and Brexit champion as a 'political colossus' following her death at the age of 78. Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister turned Reform UK figure, died on Friday, prompting an outpouring of praise from across the political spectrum.
Farage: 'Decisive Role' in Brexit
Farage, who stood alongside Widdecombe in the Brexit cause, told the Daily Express: 'When Ann decided to stand for the Brexit Party in the snap 2019 European elections, it was a big moment and huge boost. The voters loved her. She played a decisive role in getting Brexit over the line. Ann will be missed.'
Widdecombe served as Conservative MP for Maidstone and The Weald from 1987 until 2010. In 2019, she defected to the Brexit Party, returning to elected office as a Member of the European Parliament, before backing Farage's Reform UK.
Tributes from Political Leaders
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch offered her 'deepest condolences' to Widdecombe's family, hailing a 'formidable politician who was never afraid to speak her mind and fought hard for what she believed.' She added: 'Always true to herself, her politics were strongly guided by her faith and her values. Rest in Peace, Ann.'
Former prime minister Boris Johnson called Widdecombe 'a heroic Brexiteer' and 'a great speaker who could move Tory audiences to such ecstasy that she was a very hard act to follow.'
Colleagues Remember 'Formidable' Character
Andrew Kennedy, chairman of the Conservative Party in Kent, who worked alongside her for years, said: 'She was as formidable in real life as in public. What you saw was exactly who she was in private. Her authenticity was her greatest strength.' He added: 'Ann was forthright and her views, defined by her Christian faith, were often uncomfortable in modern Britain, but I liked her. She was honest and fearless.'
Conservative MP and Express columnist Esther McVey described Widdecombe as 'indomitable' and 'a good friend and supporter.' She said: 'She had more energy and drive than people a third of her age, and she'd go out of her way to help a friend.'
Cross-Party Recognition
Labour Health Secretary James Murray told Times Radio: 'I remember growing up seeing Ann Widdecombe on TV and knowing that she was an MP and an MEP. She was never shy of having firm views and sharing them quite willingly, and I can't say I always agreed with them, but she was such a part of our politics. I think everyone can recognise the contribution that she made.'
Wider Career: TV Fame
Away from politics, Widdecombe found fresh fame on the 2010 series of Strictly Come Dancing, partnered by Anton du Beke, and finished runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018. A devout Roman Catholic, she was praised for never shirking a fight over her deeply held Christian beliefs.
