Key facts
- Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister, has died at age 78.
- She served as a Conservative MP for Maidstone and the Weald from 1987 to 2010.
- Widdecombe was also a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for South West England from 2019 to 2020.
- She was a member of the Brexit Party and its successor, Reform UK.
- Her political views were characterized as Eurosceptic and socially conservative.
- She was known for her media appearances and active campaigning for Reform UK.
Ann Widdecombe, a prominent former Conservative minister, MP, and MEP, has died at the age of 78. Her representatives confirmed her passing, highlighting her active political engagement and forthright views.
Widdecombe had a lengthy political career, serving as a Conservative MP for Maidstone and the Weald from 1987 to 2010. She later became a member of the Brexit Party and its successor, Reform UK, representing South West England as an MEP from 2019 to 2020. She was known for her strong Eurosceptic stance and socially conservative views, including opposition to abortion rights and LGBTQ+ community rights during her time in Parliament.
Her management noted her love for political debate and her continued campaigning for Reform UK, as well as her role as a patron of animal charities. Nigel Farage described her as a "force of nature" and a loyal ally, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called her a "formidable politician" who was "always true to herself". Health secretary James Murray acknowledged her firm views and significant contribution to public life.
During her ministerial roles in John Major's government, Widdecombe had notable clashes with colleagues, including Michael Howard. She was also a vocal supporter of the Vote Leave campaign in the 2016 Brexit referendum.