Ann Widdecombe – share your tributes to Express columnist | UK | News
Following the death of former MP and Express columnist Ann Widdecombe, we invite readers to share their memories. Political powerhouse Widdecombe was found dead at his Dartmoor home on Thursday (July 9).
Political figures across the spectrum flooded the media with tributes honoring his decades of public service, commanding presence, and uniquely independent character.
Reform leaders Richard Tice, Lee Anderson, Danny Kruger and Zia Yusuf paid tribute to Widdecombe in Haytor, Dartmoor, on Sunday afternoon. Tice told reporters that he last spoke to Widdecombe on July 6 and was “almost shocked and horrified” when he heard of her death. He told the crowd: “We have lost a giant, a legend in all our lives. Ann Widdecombe was unique, she was adored by millions, she was cherished by millions… She was a remarkable, remarkable figure.”
Tobias Ellwood, Conservative MP for Bournemouth and chairman of the defense select committee, also paid tribute to Widdecombe.
He told GB News: “He had a commanding presence in the House of Commons. We have monitors that tell you who is speaking in the House. “When his name appeared, people would stop what they were doing and go in to hear what he was saying.
“He had the character of an elder statesman in the party and everyone respected him. Now that is very much missed.”
Andrew Ramsey, senior Reform UK councilor in Sunderland, shared his praise for Ann Widdecombe on social media. He said of X: “Over the past few days, I have taken some time to think before commenting following the tragic death of Ann Widdecombe.
“Some moments deserve reflection before words. Ann Widdecombe was undoubtedly one of the defining political figures of her generation. She served decades in public life with conviction, determination and a willingness to stand up for what she believed in.”
“Politics will always involve differences of opinion, but it also needs to recognize those who dedicated so much of their lives to public service. My thoughts today are with his family, friends and everyone who knew him. May he rest in peace.”
Following the discovery of Widdecombe’s body, Devon and Cornwall Police launched a murder investigation. Detectives discovered the attack likely occurred 24 hours before the woman was found.
Shortly before midnight on July 11, police arrested a 28-year-old white British man in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, hundreds of kilometers from the scene. Detectives confirmed they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the former MP’s death.
Police are urging the public to stop speculating online as they continue to investigate the suspect’s motives, saying such rumors are unhelpful and deeply distressing for Widdecombe’s family.
