Jeremy Vine paid an emotional tribute to Ann Widdecombe on his Channel 5 show hours before her funeral on Wednesday, August 12. The former Tory MP was killed on July 8 at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, after being hit over the head with a hammer 21 times. Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder.
Last appearance remembered
From his studio, Vine recalled Widdecombe's last appearance on the show, playing a clip of her speaking with an enthusiastic caller who praised her on-air work. He said: "Before we move on, I do need to mention this today: Ann Widdecombe's funeral service is taking place at the catholic abbey where she regularly worshipped."
He continued: "Requiem mass will be held at Buckfast Abbey in Devon. We know many of you miss Ann. Here's a clip from her last appearance on our show to remember how loved she was." After the clip ended, he concluded: "That was the last time we saw her that day."
Viewers and abbey pay respects
Viewers took to social media to express their condolences. One wrote: "Rest in Peave Ann [prayer emoji]", while another said: "Thinking of Ann Widdecombe today, as her loved ones gather for her funeral in Buckfast Abbey. May she rest in peace and rise in glory." A third added: "Goodbye, Ann. Dreadful what happened to her. R. I. P [three prayer emojis]."
A statement from Buckfast Abbey said: "Ann will be missed and fondly remembered, and many in the worshipping community knew her as a kind and warm character, as did we". A public memorial will be held later this year.
Security and service details
The funeral service took place at 2pm on Wednesday, with police officers carrying out security patrols outside the church. A police detection dog was spotted inspecting a bin and a seating area during a security search.
The order of service shows tributes will be paid by the Rev Roger Widdecombe, Miss Widdecombe's nephew, and Sir Christian Sweeting, a close friend. Donations in her memory will be divided between the Leprosy Mission and Abound to support projects of the Christian Endeavour Hostel (CEH) in India.
Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, later becoming a prisons minister in the 1990s and an MEP for the Brexit Party. At the time of her death, she was a spokeswoman on immigration and justice for Reform UK. She also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.
