Former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe has died at the age of 78, her management confirmed in a statement on Friday. The outspoken politician and television personality made her final on-screen appearance in Jersey, where she delivered a characteristically forthright verdict on Brexit critics.
Final TV Appearance in Jersey
Widdecombe attended a Ladies Lunch Club in Jersey as a guest speaker just weeks before her death. During the event, she told ITV that Reform UK and the similarly named Reform parties in the Channel Islands were 'slightly different'. When asked for advice to candidates ahead of the region's elections, she declared: 'Tell the truth. The public doesn't want you to tell them what you think they want to hear.'
Turning to Brexit, Widdecombe stressed the importance of 'sovereignty'. She said: 'I'd say to them that I believe that Britain should make its own laws, control its own borders, should make its own trade deals which it's been doing since Brexit.' She added that 'there are huge Brexit benefits' before taking a swipe at those who 'moan' about queuing at airport e-gates. 'We're the nation that endured the Blitz, we fought for six years to be free and now you're saying that it's worth giving up our sovereignty so you can get through the e-gates quicker? I mean spare me, spare me!'
Strictly Come Dancing and Later Career
Widdecombe also reflected on her time on the eighth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, where she partnered with Anton du Beke and danced her way to week nine. She said: 'Strictly led to a live tour with Craig Revel Horwood, that led to pantomime, that led to an appearance at the Royal Opera House and it just didn't stop!'
Tributes and Legacy
Following news of her passing, her management released a statement: 'It is with great sadness that today we announce the death of the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, DSG. 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. Ann was a valued patron of many causes, particularly her animal charities. 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". We send our deepest condolences to Ann's family and friends. We ask that the family's wish not to be contacted at this sad time is respected.'
Widdecombe served as the MP for Maidstone and then Maidstone and The Weald from 1987 to 2010, holding various ministerial roles including Minister of State for Prisons. After leaving Parliament, she became a regular on television, appearing on shows such as Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity Big Brother, and The Graham Norton Show. She later joined the Brexit Party (now Reform UK) and stood as a candidate in the 2019 European Parliament elections, winning a seat.
