Richard Tice, the Reform UK MP for Boston and Skegness, has paid an emotional tribute to his former colleague Ann Widdecombe following her death at the age of 78. Speaking on GB News, Tice described Widdecombe as a 'remarkable person', a 'great lady', and a 'true legend' who was 'utterly fearless' in her political career.
Tice's Emotional Tribute
Appearing close to tears, Tice praised Widdecombe's 'remarkable contribution to public life, both in politics and entertaining people' throughout her career inside and outside Westminster and Strasbourg. 'Whether it was in a small meeting or a huge audience of thousands of people, she had everybody listening intently to what she said. That's a remarkable gift,' he said. 'I'm not sure they make them like that anymore... They really don't.'
Widdecombe's Political Career
Ann Widdecombe served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years, representing the constituency from 1987 until 2010. She was appointed prisons minister under Prime Minister John Major, serving in the role from 1995 to 1997. After standing down as an MP at the 2010 General Election, she continued to be a prominent public figure.
She was a Daily Express columnist for 20 years until 2025 and championed Brexit during the 2016 referendum, helping to convince Britain to leave the European Union. In 2019, she left the Conservative Party to join the Brexit Party, which later became Reform UK.
Tributes from Colleagues
Dame Andrea Jenkyns, the Reform Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, posted on X: 'Rest in peace, Ann Widdecombe. A true political titan who served her country as an MP, Minister, and MEP with unwavering devotion to her principles. She was a giant of public life, completely unapologetic in her views, and a one-of-a-kind character who left an indelible mark on Westminster and beyond. She will be greatly missed.'
Reform's Councillor for Cannock Town, Staffordshire's Martin Murray, also posted: 'I had the pleasure of meeting Ann on several occasions over the years, in various roles. A true powerhouse and honourable lady who stood for what she believed. RIP.'
