Good Morning Britain presenters Ranvir Singh and Kate Garraway delivered a breaking news update on Friday, July 10, announcing the death of former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe at the age of 78.
A statement from her agents said: "It is with great sadness that today we announce the death of The Right Honourable Ann Widdecombe, DSG." It continued: "We send our deepest condolences to Ann's family and friends." 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 was "still actively campaigning for Reform UK" after leaving Parliament 16 years ago.
Political Career and Public Life
Ann Widdecombe was first elected as Conservative MP for Maidstone in 1987. She served as a minister under John Major, notably in the Home Office, and later held shadow cabinet positions under William Hague, including shadow Health Secretary and shadow Home Secretary. She stepped down from the House of Commons at the 2010 General Election.
After leaving Westminster, she remained a prominent figure, appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, where she reached the semi-finals with partner Anton Du Beke. She also finished as runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018. In 2019, she returned to politics as an MEP for the Brexit Party (later Reform UK) until Britain left the EU.
Good Morning Britain Tribute
Opening the headlines, Kate Garraway said: "The breaking news that we’re bringing you this morning is that the former minister MP and MPE 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."
Journalist David Harper, who appeared on 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 detailed her early life, including her father's work for the Ministry of Defence, her childhood in Singapore, and her time at Oxford University where her political career ignited.
Harper recalled her famous falling out with Michael Howard, noting her comment that he had "something of the night about him." He also highlighted her strong Christian and moral views, which were recognised by Pope Benedict, and mentioned that she never married or had children, with her cats as constant companions.
Reaction and Legacy
Kate Garraway noted: "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 that the news had come as a shock, saying: "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." The programme aired a segment looking back at her life and career, with tributes to her political service and her memorable appearances on reality television.
