Former Tory Minister Ann Widdecombe Dies at 78 The Right Honourable Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and prominent figure in UK politics, has died at the age of 78. Her death was announced by her agents, Cloud 9 Management, who described her as a "formidable politician" and "public servant" whose career spanned decades of political and cultural influence. Widdecombe, who served as an MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years, left Parliament in 2010 before joining the Brexit Party and later Reform UK, a party founded by Nigel Farage. Her passing has prompted tributes from political leaders, media figures, and fans of her television appearances, which included roles on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. Widdecombe’s political career began in the 1990s when she served as a Home Office and Employment minister under Prime Minister John Major’s government from 1994 to 1997. Known for her strong views on national issues, she became a vocal advocate for the UK’s departure from the European Union. Between 2019 and 2020, she represented South West England as a Brexit Party member of the European Parliament, a role she described as a "decisive moment" in advancing the Brexit cause. In 2023, she joined Reform UK after the party rebranded from the Brexit Party, becoming a key spokesperson for the party’s immigration and justice policies. Beyond politics, Widdecombe gained widespread recognition for her appearances on television. She first entered the public eye in 2010 when she competed on Strictly Come Dancing, reaching the semi-finals despite her struggles with the choreography of her dance partner, Anton Du Beke.#nigel_farage #ann_widdecombe #cloud_9_management #maidstone #reform_uk
