Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative MP and MEP who later became a prominent figure in Reform UK and appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, has died at the age of 78. Her management confirmed the news in a statement, expressing deep sadness and requesting privacy for her family.
Political Career and Ministerial Roles
Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP for the Kent constituency of Maidstone, later Maidstone and the Weald, from 1987 to 2010. During her time in Parliament, she held several ministerial positions in Sir John Major's government, including as prisons minister. She was known for her strong Eurosceptic views and socially conservative stance on issues such as abortion and LGBT rights.
One of the most memorable moments of her political career was her clash with fellow Conservative Michael Howard, whom she famously accused of having "something of the night about him" during a Home Office dispute. She also faced criticism for defending a policy of chaining pregnant prisoners to their beds.
Post-Parliamentary Life and Strictly Come Dancing
After leaving the Commons, Widdecombe gained a new audience as a contestant on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, partnered with Anton du Beke. Despite mixed reviews from the judges, she made it to the semi-finals thanks to public support. Her management described her as "a consummate professional" and noted that she "defied the judges week after week."
In a statement, Cloud9 Management said: "Her life and career were driven by her strong Christian values and commitment to public service. She loved the cut and thrust of political debate and, 16 years after leaving Parliament, was still actively campaigning for Reform UK and offering forthright views on the hot topics of the day."
Euroscepticism and Later Political Moves
A lifelong Eurosceptic, Widdecombe supported the Vote Leave campaign during the 2016 Brexit referendum. She joined the Brexit Party in 2019 and served as an MEP for South West England from 2019 to 2020. In 2023, she became a member of Reform UK, the successor to the Brexit Party, and served as the party's immigration spokesperson.
Widdecombe never married and claimed to have no interest in sex. She was a patron of several animal charities and remained active in public life until her death. Her management quoted her words from 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."
