Ann Widdecombe's time at Oxford University in the early 1970s was marked by a significant romance with Colin Maltby, a physics scholar from Christchurch College. This period, described by Widdecombe as among the happiest of her life, involved shared activities such as punting on the River Cherwell, frequent travel between colleges in her Morris Minor, and dancing at summer balls. The relationship, which lasted nearly three years, also included meeting each other's families and holidays abroad, though Widdecombe emphasized its chaste nature.
Maltby, who was three years younger than Widdecombe, first noticed her at the Oxford Union during a 'fancy dress' debate in the summer of 1971. He was drawn to her distinctive style, including a memorable pair of purple hotpants, and her independent spirit. As both were final-year students by October 1971, Maltby became more involved in Union activities to be closer to Widdecombe, whom he saw as a political ally and later as someone he considered marrying.
Their relationship deepened beyond politics by the end of 1971. Nicholas Kochan, who researched Widdecombe for a biography, noted that Maltby allowed her to express a more vulnerable side. Despite the growing affection, Widdecombe maintained that their physical relationship remained limited, with no instances of intimacy beyond chaste kisses. This was reportedly a point of contention, with Widdecombe threatening legal action against the student newspaper 'Cherwell' for implying they were living together.
Despite the emphasis on chastity, the couple was observed holding hands and engaging in public displays of affection. They shared holidays, including a trip to Portugal where they booked separate rooms, and enjoyed events like the Worcester College summer ball. After their final exams, Widdecombe received a third-class degree and took temporary work with Oxfam, while Maltby pursued a doctorate and was considered a strong candidate for future political office.
Maltby was elected president of the Oxford Union in the spring of 1973, while Widdecombe began a graduate traineeship with Unilever and moved to Surrey. Despite the geographical separation, they continued to see each other and took a holiday in Morocco for Christmas 1973, again booking separate hotel rooms.
The relationship concluded in late 1973 when Maltby ended it over dinner, citing a sense of drifting apart. He later recalled that the breakup was not acrimonious, though Widdecombe expressed a mixture of upset and relief, having sensed the relationship had no future. Shortly thereafter, Widdecombe learned that Maltby was engaged to another student, Liz Bath, and he later married her. Widdecombe attended Maltby's wedding.
Maltby eventually pursued a career as a fund manager, while Widdecombe entered Parliament in 1987. Maltby reflected that marriage might not have been a necessity for Widdecombe's fulfillment, suggesting she found contentment in her life regardless of marital status. Widdecombe herself stated that her life was not destined for marriage and she never lamented being single.