Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ann Widdecombe, former Conservative MP, was elected as an MEP for the Brexit Party in 2019
ByHarry Sekulich- Published10 July 2026, 06:29 BST
Former Conservative minister turned Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe has died aged 78.
"It is with great sadness that today we announce the death of The Right Honourable Ann Widdecombe, DSG," a statement from her agents, Cloud 9 Management, said.
"We send our deepest condolences to Ann's family and friends," they added.
Widdecombe's political career spanned decades, serving as MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years, before going on to join Reform UK.
She also appeared on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing and was a runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.
Widdecombe served as a Home Office and an employment minister in John Major's government between 1994 to 1997.
She was a staunch supporter of the UK's departure from the EU and in 2019 was elected to stand as Brexit Party MEP in the European Parliament.
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