Ann Widdecombe death: Former Conservative minister and firebrand TV personality dies aged 78
Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and Reform England member, has died aged 78.
Ms Widdecombe was MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years, from 1987 to 2010, and was secretary of state for prisons and employment in John Major’s government.
He served as shadow home secretary and shadow health secretary in the opposition.
He later joined Reform UK and became a vocal champion of Brexit.
His representatives, Cloud 9 Management, confirmed his death on Friday morning.
In the statement made to the BBC, it was said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Ms Ann Widdecombe from DSG today.”
“We extend our deepest condolences to Ann’s family and friends.”
Ms Widdecombe left the House of Commons at the 2010 election and continued contesting. Definitely Come DanceWhere he partners with Anton Du Beke.
It turned out later Celebrity Big BrotherHe finished second in 2018.
Ms Widdecombe returned to politics in 2019 with the Brexit Party (later renamed Reform UK) and won the South West England seat in the European Parliament elections.
The UK held the seat until it left the EU on 31 January 2020.
He served as Reform UK’s immigration and justice spokesperson from 2023 to 2026.
Ms Widdecombe was active on the speaking circuit and wrote a column. Daily Express For 20 years.
He published his memoirs in 2013. Absolutely Ann.
A statement from his representatives said his career “has been guided by strong Christian values and a commitment to public service.”
They said that although he left Parliament 16 years ago, he was “still actively campaigning for UK Reform” until his death.
“Of course, for many he will be best (or worst?) remembered for his unforgettable performances. Definitely Come Dancehe challenged the judges week after week, while the public rejoiced at his failed attempts to follow long-suffering Anton Du Beke’s choreography.
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