Ann Widdecombe, former Conservative MP and Reform UK member, dies aged 78 Ann Widdecombe, a prominent Eurosceptic and social conservative known for her sharp political career and later television presence, has died at the age of 78. Her management confirmed her passing, highlighting her enduring influence in politics and public life. Widdecombe, who served as a member of Parliament and an MEP, was a key figure in the Brexit movement and remained active in Reform UK even after leaving parliament. Widdecombe’s political career spanned several decades, during which she held ministerial roles in John Major’s government. She frequently clashed with fellow Conservatives, including Michael Howard and Michael Portillo, over policy disagreements. Her critiques of Howard’s leadership and Portillo’s political tactics were well-documented, with her famously stating she would never have served under Portillo if he had become Tory leader. A vocal Eurosceptic, Widdecombe was a leading advocate for the Vote Leave campaign during the 2016 Brexit referendum. Her socially conservative views, which included opposing abortion rights and LGBTQ+ rights, were central to her political identity. She also faced criticism for supporting a policy that chained pregnant prisoners to their beds, a stance that drew widespread condemnation. Beyond politics, Widdecombe became a household name through her appearances on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, where she partnered with Anton Du Beke. Despite her efforts, she reached only the quarter-finals, a performance that became a defining moment of her post-parliamentary career. Her management described her as a “consummate professional” and “indefatigable to the last,” noting her ability to engage audiences with her unapologetic approach.#kemi_badenoch #nigel_farage #reform_uk #ann_widdecombe #john_major
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
