Ann Widdecombe, a former Member of Parliament and a prominent figure in British politics known for her outspoken views and staunch opposition to abortion, has died at the age of 78. Police launched a murder inquiry after she was found dead in her home in Haytor, Dartmoor. A suspect has been arrested in connection with her death.
Andrew Pierce, a colleague and friend, described Widdecombe as his "treasured friend" and "Saintly Widders," expressing his shock and sadness. He recalled a conversation with her just two days before her death, during which she was enthusiastically discussing plans to champion an issue related to child maintenance payments at Reform UK's party conference in September.
Widdecombe, who was 78, had a career marked by her unwavering principles and a willingness to confront political opposition. She received a Papal Knighthood for her services to charity and public life, largely due to her strong stance against abortion, a position that had previously led to abuse and death threats. While police are currently not highlighting a political motive for her killing, the possibility has been considered.
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Pierce recounted several defining moments of their friendship, including a successful maneuver in 2010 to secure Widdecombe the role of Ambassador to the Holy See. This was achieved through a carefully orchestrated media strategy that played on then-Prime Minister David Cameron's desire to have Widdecombe, whom he reportedly disliked, appointed to an overseas post. Despite the plan, Widdecombe ultimately did not take the ambassadorial role.
Instead, she accepted an offer to participate in the 2010 series of the BBC's "Strictly Come Dancing." Her participation proved to be a significant public success, endearing her to audiences with her determination and self-deprecating humor. Her performances, though often humorously critiqued by judges, made her a fan favorite and led to numerous subsequent television and performance opportunities, including an appearance on "Celebrity Big Brother" in 2018.
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Widdecombe's political career began with her election as the MP for Maidstone and the Weald in 1987. A convert to Catholicism in 1993, she was fluent in Latin. During her time in Parliament, she served as Minister of State in the Home Office, where she insisted on being addressed by her first name, Ann. She was also known for her sharp wit, famously describing Michael Howard as having "something of the night" about him, a comment that significantly impacted his political career. Her strong views, including opposition to gay marriage and civil partnerships, sometimes put her at odds with colleagues and the public.
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Pierce noted that while he and Widdecombe had differing views on some social issues, their friendship was strong and enduring. He recalled her pride in becoming the first woman granted full membership of the Carlton Club in 2008. In 2021, she defected to Nigel Farage's Brexit Party, later Reform UK, losing her Carlton Club membership.
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Pierce also shared a personal anecdote about Widdecombe's deep distress following the murder of her close friend, MP Sir David Amess, in 2021. Widdecombe was reportedly very supportive of the Amess family and served as a godmother to his daughter Alexandra. Pierce concluded by stating that he never imagined he would one day be mourning the brutal murder of Widdecombe herself.
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