Former Tory MP and Cabinet minister Ann Widdecombe has died at the age of 78. Tributes have flooded in for the outspoken politician who swapped the Commons for television, starring on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother after retiring from Parliament in 2010.
Management Statement and Life Philosophy
In a statement, her management said: "As Ann once said on The Graham Norton Show, 'We get one go this side of eternity, one go. Life is not a dress rehearsal, you take opportunities that you like and you go for it, that’s my philosophy.'"
The former Tory turned Reform UK spokeswoman certainly had a colourful life both in and out of politics. From comparing Brexit to the end of slavery to championing her virginity, here are some of Ann's most controversial moments.
Pregnant Prisoners Policy
While Ann was Prisons Minister in John Major's government, she sparked controversy after defending the policy of pregnant prisoners being handcuffed while attending hospital. When quizzed in Parliament, she insisted it was necessary to help prevent inmates escaping, adding that hospitals were "not secure places." The stance triggered a backlash from human rights groups, medical professionals, and opposition MPs, who dubbed it degrading and inhumane.
Brexit Comparison to Slavery
In 2019, Ann stirred up controversy after comparing the UK's departure from the European Union to the end of slavery. After her return to frontline politics as an MEP for the Brexit Party, she said during her maiden speech to the European Parliament: "There is a pattern consistent throughout history of oppressed people turning on the oppressors. Slaves against their owners."
Views on LGBTQ+ Rights
Ann stood in opposition to LGBTQ+ rights and once claimed science could one day "produce an answer" to being gay. She supported the retention of Section 28, a law passed in 1988 under Margaret Thatcher's government that banned local authorities and schools from "promoting homosexuality." She also opposed same-sex marriage and was frequently criticised by LGBTQ+ advocates and human rights organizations. During a June 2019 interview on Sky News, she suggested science might one day "produce an answer" to being gay, sparking a severe backlash. Labour MP Luke Pollard accused her of "continuing her sick anti-LGBT campaign."
Cost of Living 'Cheese Sandwiches' Remark
In May 2023, Ann landed in hot water again when she made a remark about "cheese sandwiches" while discussing the cost of living crisis. When asked what she would say to people who could not afford basic ingredients to make a cheese sandwich, she replied: "Well then you don't do the cheese sandwich." Her comments were heavily criticised by opposition politicians as being out-of-touch and unsympathetic to families struggling with poverty.
Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother
After years in politics, Ann became a hit on TV screens, appearing on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018, where she finished runner-up to Australian singer Courtney Act. She often clashed with her housemates and famously slammed them for being "snowflakes." Ann said: "They were largely very sensible people when I was doing it – but there was still a certain amount of snowflakery around. We’re the generation that had to get on with it. I didn’t do snowflakey-ness, and endless hugging and all this sort of stuff. Not my scene at all."
Ann also stole the show when she appeared on Strictly Come Dancing with dance partner Anton du Beke. The ex-MEP managed to jive her way to week nine, chalking up some unforgettably bonkers performances. Speaking on their time together, Anton said: "I spent some time with some incredible women . . . even Ann. I say: 'Even Ann'. She was a pioneer, the first one who flew in on set. Everyone gets flown in these days from above stage."
Virginity
Throughout her life, Ann was open about her lack of sex life as she believed in abstinence outside marriage. Despite having a boyfriend at university, she fiercely defended her virgin status and even threatened to sue journalists who claimed she wasn't. She once stated: "If anyone says I am not a virgin - I will sue."
