Former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe dies aged 78

Ann Widdecombe, a distinctive and often controversial figure in British politics, has died at the age of 78. The former Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) and Member of the European Parliament (MEP) was also a well-known television personality, having appeared on shows like "Strictly Come Dancing" and "Celebrity Big Brother."

Widdecombe served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone, and later Maidstone and the Weald, from 1987 to 2010. During her parliamentary career, she held several ministerial roles in John Major's government. She was recognized for her strong Eurosceptic stance, actively supporting the Vote Leave campaign in the 2016 Brexit referendum. Later, she joined the Brexit Party, which evolved into Reform UK, serving as its spokesperson for Immigration and Justice from 2023 to 2026.

“

She was never shy of having quite firm views and sharing them quite willingly. I can’t say I always agreed with her views, but she was such a part of our politics. I think everyone can kind of recognise the contribution that she made to politics and the role that she played in our public life.

Throughout her career, Widdecombe was vocal about her socially conservative views, opposing abortion and expanded rights for the LGBT community. She was also known for her sharp political debate style, once famously describing her Conservative colleague Michael Howard as having "something of the night about him." Her tenure also saw controversy, including defending a policy of chaining pregnant prisoners to their beds.

Political figures acknowledged her impact. The UK's Health Secretary, James Murray, stated that Widdecombe was "never shy of having quite firm views" and recognized her contribution to politics and public life. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, hailed her as an "absolute force of nature" and an "incredibly loyal ally," despite potential private disagreements on party direction.

“

She was an absolute force of nature. She never