Former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe dies at 78
Her management said she remained active in politics and media after Parliament, including campaigning for Reform UK and appearing on television and radio.
- Ann Widdecombe, a prominent British politician and former Conservative MP, died on Friday aged 78, her representatives announced. The Brexit champion served in Parliament for 23 years representing Maidstone.
- Widdecombe served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone from 1987 until 2010, holding ministerial positions including prisons minister. She famously clashed with Home Office colleague Michael Howard, describing him as having "something of the night about him."
- Throughout her career, Widdecombe was a prominent Eurosceptic who supported the Vote Leave campaign. She joined the Brexit Party in 2019 and later backed Reform, serving as its justice and immigration adviser until earlier this year.
- Away from politics, Widdecombe became a household name competing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 with partner Anton Beke, reaching the semi-finals. She also hosted Have I Got News For You and appeared in a documentary with Louis Theroux.
- Colleagues are paying tribute to a "true powerhouse" of politics. Reform Staffordshire County Council leader Martin Murray said he had "the pleasure of meeting Ann on several occasions," calling her "an honourable lady who stood for what she believed.
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Tributes paid as MP turned Strictly star Ann Widdecombe
Ann Widdecombe, the former MP who also featured on Strictly Come Dancing, has died aged 78. The former politician, who had socially conservative views, made it all the way to the quarter-finals when she took part in the show in 2010 with professional dancer Anton du Beke. Today's top videos A statement from Ann's management […]
Former Conservative MP, Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe dies aged 78
UK News: Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokesperson, has died at the age of 78. Her long political career included ministerial roles and a vibrant television presence. Widdecombe was a strong Brexit advocate and continued to influence UK politics until her death.
The Herald Scotland
The NationalFormer Tory minister Ann Widdecombe dies aged 78
Ann Widdecombe, the former MP and MEP who also featured on Strictly Come Dancing, has died aged 78.
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