Ann Widdecombe’s friend shares heartwarming email she sent by mistake ahead of wedding | UK | News
Ann Widdecombe’s close friend has shared a heartwarming email the former politician accidentally forwarded. Broadcaster Iain Dale revealed he invited Ms Widdecombe to a civil partnership 18 years ago but was left pleasantly disappointed by the former Home Secretary, who died this week.
However, Ann’s secretary accidentally forwarded his real response and the politician admitted he did not want to hurt Iain’s feelings by not attending. Ms Widdecombe was known for her socially conservative views, which put her at odds with many in the LGBTQ+ community.
Speaking on LBC, Iain explained: “He knew my husband John very well, they got on extremely well together. John only told me last night how much he thought of him. I invited him to our civil partnership in 2008 and he refused. I didn’t blame him for that because I knew his religious beliefs would probably prevent him from doing that. But he let me down in a very gentle way.”
“Although his then secretary accidentally copied me in an email, he said to the secretary ‘can you please decline this, I can’t be seen in civil partnership but I don’t want to hurt Iain’.”
Iain stressed that he was not disappointed by the decision as he was aware of Ann’s belief in her beliefs.
He added: “I didn’t use it against him, why would I? I don’t use it against other people whose views I disagree with.”
“It was a deeply held belief for him that marriage was between a man and a woman. I would not sever a friendship with someone just because I disagreed with them on their view of social policy.”
Iain and Ann were friends for over 30 years; The radio presenter was among those who organized a memorial service in memory of the 78-year-old since his death was revealed yesterday. After news of his death became public, Iain posted a heartwarming message to his friend on social media.
The broadcaster said: “I say in my book that Ann Widdecombe was one of the handful of true friends I have made in politics. I am saddened by her loss.”
