Former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe dies at 78
Former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe has passed away at the age of 78. Known for her long parliamentary career and later for her media appearances, she was a prominent figure in the UK's Brexit movement.
Why it matters
Widdecombe was a polarizing and influential figure in British politics, playing a key role in the Brexit Party and the broader shift in UK political discourse.
Figure caption, The career of former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe
Former Conservative minister turned Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe has died aged 78.
Her political career spanned decades, serving as MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years, before going on to join Reform UK.
She worked as a Home Office and employment minister in Sir John Major's government between 1994 to 1997.
After leaving Parliament she embarked on a showbiz career, appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.
A staunch supporter of the UK's departure from the EU, she became an MEP for the Brexit Party, representing South West England in the European Parliament between 2019-2020.
In 2023, Widdecombe joined Nigel Farage's Reform UK, after the party changed its name from the Brexit Party, and made a number of appearances as the party's immigration and justice spokesperson.
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