Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative MP and MEP who also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, has died at the age of 78. Her management confirmed the news in a statement, saying: "It is with great sadness that today we announce the death of the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, DSG. 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."
Political Career and Ministerial Roles
Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010, representing the Kent constituency of Maidstone, later renamed Maidstone and the Weald. During her tenure, she held several ministerial positions in Sir John Major's government, including serving as prisons minister. In that role, she faced controversy for defending a policy of chaining pregnant prisoners to their beds.
She was also known for a famous clash with her Conservative colleague Michael Howard, then home secretary, when she was a Home Office minister. She described Howard as having "something of the night about him," a remark that became a defining moment in her political career.
Post-Commons Career and Strictly Come Dancing
After leaving the House of Commons, Widdecombe appeared on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, partnered with Anton du Beke. She survived until the semi-finals, largely due to public support.
Euroscepticism and Later Political Moves
Throughout her career, Widdecombe was a prominent Eurosceptic. She supported the Vote Leave campaign during the 2016 Brexit referendum. In 2019, she joined the Brexit Party and served as an MEP for South West England in Brussels from 2019 to 2020. She later became a member of Reform UK in 2023, the successor to the Brexit Party, and served as the party's immigration spokesperson, appearing at its conference the following year.
Social Conservatism and Personal Life
Widdecombe was known for her socially conservative views, including opposing abortion rights and wider LGBT rights during her time in the Commons. She claimed to have no interest in sex and never married.
