Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative minister, MEP, and Strictly Come Dancing star, has died at the age of 78. Tributes have flooded in from political figures including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Political Career and Brexit Role
Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP for the Kent constituency of Maidstone, later Maidstone and the Weald, from 1987 to 2010. She held several ministerial positions under Sir John Major. She later joined Farage's Brexit Party in 2019 and served as an MEP for South West England until 2020.
Farage said Widdecombe played a "decisive role" in securing Brexit. "When Ann Widdecombe decided to stand for The Brexit Party in the snap 2019 European Elections, it was a big moment and huge boost. The voters loved her. She played a decisive role in getting Brexit over the line and will be missed by us all," he stated.
Memorable Moments and Controversies
Widdecombe famously clashed with her Conservative colleague Michael Howard, describing him as having "something of the night about him" during their time as Home Office minister and home secretary. She also faced criticism for defending a policy of chaining pregnant prisoners to their beds.
In 2010, she appeared on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing with partner Anton du Beke, reaching the semi-finals thanks to public votes. Her management company, Cloud9, noted her strong Christian values and commitment to public service, saying she "loved the cut and thrust of political debate."
Tributes from Political Figures
Boris Johnson called her a "heroic Brexiteer and a great speaker who could move Tory audiences to such ecstasy that she was a very hard act to follow." Defence Minister Luke Pollard, a Labour MP who stood against her in 2019, said despite disagreements, she was "always polite and courteous" and "one of politics' characters."
Health Secretary James Murray acknowledged her firm views, stating, "She was never shy of having quite firm views and sharing them quite willingly... everyone can recognise the contribution that she made to politics." Downing Street said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was "saddened" by her death, paying tribute to "the conviction and dedication with which she served her country."
Personal Life and Legacy
Widdecombe was known for her socially conservative views, opposing abortion and LGBT rights expansion. She claimed to have no interest in sex and never married. Her management statement quoted her philosophy: "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."
Cloud9 Management added that she was a valued patron of many causes, particularly animal charities, and was actively campaigning for Reform UK until her death.
