Former Labour MP David Hinchliffe has recalled working with the late Ann Widdecombe, describing her as a formidable opponent with a fine sense of humour. He said their disagreements were always without rancour.
Shared Experiences in Parliament
Hinchliffe entered the Commons in 1987 at the same time as Widdecombe and got to know her well through media interviews and committee work. Despite fundamentally disagreeing on most issues, he noted they always maintained a cordial relationship.
Clash Over Adoption Legislation
Their most heated clash was over Hinchliffe's amendment to adoption legislation to allow unmarried partners to apply to adopt. Widdecombe, who publicly professed to being 'a middle-aged virgin', passionately argued the case for marriage, while Hinchliffe, married with children, put forward the merits of single people.
Hinchliffe highlighted that Widdecombe had a fine sense of humour and shared colleagues' amusement over the absurdity of their contrasting positions.
