Former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, Ann Widdecombe, has died at the age of 78.
Her death was announced on Friday in a statement issued by her agents, Cloud 9 Management.
“It is with great sadness that today we announce the death of The Right Honourable Ann Widdecombe, DSG,” the statement said.
“We send our deepest condolences to Ann’s family and friends,” it added.
Widdecombe enjoyed a political career that spanned several decades. She represented Maidstone in Kent as a Member of Parliament for 23 years before later joining Reform UK.
During Sir John Major’s administration, she served as both Home Office minister and employment minister from 1994 to 1997.
A committed supporter of Brexit, she was elected in 2019 as a Brexit Party Member of the European Parliament.
Beyond politics, Widdecombe became widely known to television audiences through her appearances on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, where she advanced to the semi-finals, and later finished as runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.
Paying tribute, her agents described her as a woman whose public life was shaped by her faith and dedication to service.
“In a statement, her agents said her life and career were ‘driven by her strong Christian values and commitment to public service’.”
They also noted that, despite leaving Parliament 16 years ago, she remained deeply involved in politics.
“They added that Widdecombe loved the ‘cut and thrust of political debate’ and despite leaving Parliament 16 years ago, was ‘still actively campaigning for Reform UK’.”
Reflecting on her television career, the statement highlighted her memorable run on Strictly Come Dancing.
“For many, of course, she will be best (or worst?) remembered for her unforgettable appearances on Strictly Come Dancing, defying the judges week-after-week as the public delighted in her unsuccessful attempts to follow the choreography of the long-suffering Anton Du Beke,” the statement went on to say.
