Ann Widdecombe: former Tory minister, Eurosceptic and Reform UK member dies aged 78

Ann Widdecombe, a notable figure in British politics known for her tenure as a Conservative minister, Member of the European Parliament, and staunch Euroscepticism, has passed away at the age of 78. Her management team announced her death with profound sadness, extending condolences to her family and friends.

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It is with great sadness that today we announce the death of the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, DSG.

Widdecombe represented the Kent constituency of Maidstone (later Maidstone and The Weald) as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010. During her parliamentary career, she held various ministerial roles within John Major's government. She was also remembered for sharp political exchanges, including a notable clash with Michael Howard, then Home Secretary, whom she described as having "something of the night about him" while she was a Home Office minister. Her career also saw her defend controversial policies, such as chaining pregnant prisoners to their beds.

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We send our deepest condolences to Ann’s family and friends.

Her management company stated that Widdecombe would be "greatly missed," emphasizing that her life and career were guided by "strong Christian values and commitment to public service." They noted her enjoyment of "the cut and thrust of political debate" and her continued active campaigning for Reform UK after leaving parliament, offering "forthright views" on contemporary issues across various media platforms. She was also a dedicated patron of numerous causes, particularly animal charities.

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something of the night about him

In her post-parliamentary career, Widdecombe participated in the BBC's "Strictly Come Dancing" in 2010, reaching the semi-finals. Throughout her political life, she was a vocal Eurosceptic, actively supporting the Vote Leave campaign in the 2016 Brexit referendum. She later joined the Brexit Party in 2019, serving as an MEP for South West England until 2020, and then became a member of Reform UK in 2023, taking on the role of immigration spokesperson. Widdecombe was also recognized for her socially conservative stances, including opposition to abortion and LGBTQ+ rights during her time in the Commons. She famously stated she had no interest in sex and never married.

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Her life and career were driven by her strong Christian values and commitment to public service.