Good Morning Britain presenters Ranvir Singh and Kate Garraway delivered a breaking news announcement on Friday, July 10, revealing the death of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe at the age of 78.
Widdecombe, who later represented Reform UK, passed away, with a statement from her representatives saying: "It is with great sadness that today we announce the death of The Right Honourable Ann Widdecombe, DSG." The statement added: "We send our deepest condolences to Ann's family and friends."
Political Career and Public Service
The statement noted that her life and career were "driven by her strong Christian values and commitment to public service" and that she loved the "cut and thrust of political debate" and remained "still actively campaigning for Reform UK" after departing Parliament 16 years ago.
Widdecombe was first elected as Conservative MP for Maidstone in 1987. She served as a minister under John Major, notably at the Home Office, and famously fell out with Home Secretary Michael Howard, describing him as having "something of the night about him." After the Conservatives lost the 1997 election, she became a fixture in William Hague's shadow cabinet, serving as shadow Health Secretary and later shadow Home Secretary. She stepped down at the 2010 General Election.
She returned to politics in 2019, standing as an MEP for the Brexit Party (later Reform UK) and serving in Brussels until Britain left the EU.
Strictly Come Dancing and TV Appearances
The statement also remembered her appearances on Strictly Come Dancing: "For many, of course, she will be best (or worst?) remembered for her unforgettable appearances on Strictly Come Dancing, defying the judges week-after-week as the public delighted in her unsuccessful attempts to follow the choreography of the long-suffering Anton Du Beke." She progressed to the semi-finals in 2010. She also finished as runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.
On Good Morning Britain, Kate Garraway announced: "The breaking news that we're bringing you this morning is that the former minister MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe has died at the age of 78." Ranvir Singh added: "A long time Conservative politician, she later joined the Brexit party in 2019 which then became Reform UK. She also, you'll well remember, gained public attention and some endearment of course for taking part in Strictly Come Dancing."
Tributes and Reflections
Journalist David Harper, who joined the programme, said: "Just before we were coming on air, a very familiar face in British politics really, as well known outside of Westminster as she was inside." He noted her father worked for the Ministry of Defence, she was born in Bath but spent time in Singapore, and her political career ignited at Oxford University.
Harper highlighted her strong Christian and moral views, noting she was honoured by Pope Benedict. He added: "Never married, never had children, never really talked about relationships. Her cats, I think, were her constant companion."
Kate Garraway said: "We haven't heard about a long illness, have we? So I think it took everybody a little bit by surprise. I think she was even still doing various broadcasting things up until recently." David Harper confirmed: "We really knew nothing about this until this morning." Ranvir Singh concluded: "She lived a full life, you can certainly say that. Sad news there that Ann Widdecombe has passed away."
