Former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe has died at the age of 78, bringing to an end a remarkable career that saw her become one of Britain’s most recognisable political figures before winning over a whole new generation through her unforgettable appearance on Strictly Come Dancing.
Her management company, Cloud 9 Management, confirmed the sad news in a statement on Friday.
“It is with great sadness that today we announce the death of The Right Honourable Ann Widdecombe DSG,” the statement read.
“We send our deepest condolences to Ann’s family and friends.”
Known for her uncompromising views and outspoken personality, Widdecombe spent decades at the centre of British politics. She served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone, later Maidstone and The Weald, from 1987 until her retirement from Parliament in 2010.
Throughout her political career, she built a reputation as a fearless and often controversial voice on issues including abortion, same-sex marriage, immigration and law and order. Her Christian faith remained central to her beliefs after converting to Roman Catholicism in 1993 following the Church of England’s decision to ordain women as priests.
After leaving Westminster, Widdecombe surprised many by stepping into the entertainment world. In 2010, she became one of the most memorable contestants in the history of Strictly Come Dancing, partnering professional dancer Anton Du Beke. Although she was never considered the strongest dancer, her theatrical routines and determination made her a fan favourite, keeping her in the competition until week ten.
She later appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and became a regular television commentator, maintaining a strong public profile long after leaving frontline politics.
Her political journey also took an unexpected turn after Brexit. Disappointed with the Conservative Party’s handling of the UK’s departure from the European Union, Widdecombe joined Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party in 2019 and was elected as a Member of the European Parliament for South West England.
In 2023, she joined Reform UK, where she continued to campaign passionately and remained one of the party’s most recognisable supporters.
Nigel Farage paid an emotional tribute following her death, describing her as “an absolute force of nature.”
He said: “She never let anyone… with any doubt in their minds at all where she stood on all the great issues of the day, and she was formidable too.”
Farage also revealed that while they occasionally disagreed privately over party policies, Widdecombe always remained loyal in public.
“You know, in public, she was most incredibly loyal ally.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also honoured the former minister, writing: “My deepest condolences and those of the Conservative Party to the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe.”
“She was a formidable politician who was never afraid to speak her mind and fought hard for what she believed. Always true to herself, her politics were strongly guided by her faith and her values. Rest in Peace, Ann.”
Born in Bath on October 4, 1947, Widdecombe studied at the University of Birmingham before later reading Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford.
Before entering Parliament, she served as a local councillor in Surrey. During John Major’s government, she held several ministerial roles, including Minister of State for Employment and Minister of State for Prisons.
Away from politics, Widdecombe never married and had no children, proudly describing herself as a “spinster.” She often spoke about her love of animals, particularly cats, and also enjoyed writing novels and appearing in documentaries and television programmes.
Just days before her death, she was still making television appearances and publicly backing Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, underlining her lifelong commitment to politics and public debate.
Ann Widdecombe leaves behind a legacy unlike any other—one that combined decades of political influence with an unlikely second act as one of Britain’s most memorable television personalities.
