Ann Widdecombe, a former Member of Parliament (MP) and Member of the European Parliament (MEP), has died at the age of 78, her representative confirmed. Widdecombe, who transitioned from a formidable political career to a surprise television personality, was known for her unwavering social conservatism and Euroscepticism.
Born in Bath, Somerset, on October 4, 1947, Widdecombe began her political journey as a councillor in Surrey in 1976. She was elected as a Conservative MP for Maidstone in 1987, a seat she held for 23 years, later representing Maidstone and the Weald. During her time in Parliament, she held several ministerial positions under Prime Minister John Major, including Shadow Home Secretary and Minister of State for Prisons. She was notably responsible for visiting every prison in the UK during her tenure.
Widdecombe was a vocal opponent of abortion and same-sex marriage. Her strong convictions led her to convert to Roman Catholicism in 1993 after the Church of England's decision to ordain women priests. Despite her significant parliamentary career, she was overlooked for a peerage after retiring from politics in 2010, a fact she later expressed surprise about.
After leaving Parliament, Widdecombe gained widespread recognition for her participation in the BBC's hit dancing show, "Strictly Come Dancing," in 2010. Paired with professional dancer Anton du Beke, her eccentric and entertaining routines made her a fan favorite, reaching the tenth week of the competition. Her appearances on the show earned her the nickname "the Queen of comedy."
In 2019, Widdecombe defected to Nigel Farage's Brexit Party, later becoming an MEP. She joined Reform UK in 2023, serving as the party's immigration and justice spokesperson. She remained an active public commentator, writing opinion columns and appearing on talk shows, most recently expressing support for Reform leader Nigel Farage.
Widdecombe also explored other facets of show business, including stage acting and appearing in a Louis Theroux documentary. She hosted "Have I Got News For You" twice. Her television persona often courted controversy, including a stint on "Celebrity Big Brother" where she faced criticism for comments perceived as anti-LGBT.
Throughout her public life, Widdecombe was recognized for her sharp wit and often provocative statements. She passed away on August 12, 2024, leaving behind a legacy as a multifaceted public figure who straddled the worlds of politics and popular entertainment.