Ann Widdecombe's years at Oxford University in the early 1970s were remembered as a period of profound happiness, largely due to her relationship with Colin Maltby, a physics scholar. The romance, which lasted nearly three years, was characterized by shared activities such as punting on the River Cherwell, dancing at university balls, and even holidays abroad. Maltby, who described Widdecombe as "always her own person," was initially drawn to her distinctive personality and ambition, first noticing her in a memorable outfit at an Oxford Union debate.
Their relationship, initiated through mutual interest in political activities and ambitions at the Oxford Union and the university's Conservative Association, deepened over time. Maltby recalled that their connection grew beyond politics, with both developing genuine care for each other as individuals. Journalist Nicholas Kochan, who researched an authorized biography of Widdecombe, suggested that this relationship allowed her to express a vulnerability she had not previously shown. Widdecombe herself wrote of confiding in Maltby, revealing her more introverted side.
The couple's commitment was evident, with their relationship becoming a topic of conversation around the Union. However, Widdecombe consistently maintained that their relationship was chaste, emphasizing that they did not engage in physical intimacy. This stance was so firm that when a student newspaper implied they were living together, Widdecombe threatened legal action, leading to a retraction. Maltby corroborated that sex was not an issue or a discussed topic between them. Despite this, they were observed holding hands in public, and a fellow student described them as "on affection terms."
Their shared experiences included attending summer balls and watching the sunrise, with Widdecombe describing these times as feeling like "the world seemed my oyster." Even during a holiday in Portugal after their final exams, Widdecombe insisted on booking separate single rooms, a decision that reportedly surprised hotel staff. Their time together continued after graduation; Maltby pursued a doctorate while Widdecombe, who received a third-class degree, took temporary work. Maltby was considered a strong contender for future political roles, including president of the Oxford Union, a position he was eventually elected to in 1973.
A significant moment in their relationship was Maltby meeting Widdecombe's father, a former Royal Navy officer. Their positive reception was important to Widdecombe. However, by 1973, their paths began to diverge more significantly. Widdecombe took a graduate trainee position with Unilever and moved to Surrey, while Maltby continued his studies in Oxford. Despite maintaining contact and visiting each other's families, including a Christmas holiday in Morocco where they again booked separate rooms, the relationship concluded by the end of 1973.
Maltby initiated the breakup over dinner, citing a sense of the relationship drifting apart and deciding it was time to make a decision about its future. He noted that by this point, they were no longer physically together. Widdecombe, while acknowledging her upset, also expressed a sense of relief, having perceived the relationship as having no future. However, she later confided that she had not anticipated the breakup. The end of their romance was compounded by the news, just weeks later, that Maltby was engaged to another student, Liz Bath. Widdecombe reportedly took this pragmatically and even attended their wedding in 1975. Maltby has since remarried and lives in Switzerland.
Maltby pursued a career as a fund manager, while Widdecombe entered Parliament in 1987. Maltby reflected that marriage might not have been a prerequisite for Widdecombe's happiness or political success, suggesting she found fulfillment independently. Widdecombe herself stated that any suggestion their breakup caused her to remain unmarried was untrue, viewing her life as one not destined for marriage, and that she never lamented being single.