Former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe has died at the age of 78, her agents announced on Friday, July 10, 2026, as reported by the BBC.
Widdecombe served as the Member of Parliament for Maidstone for 23 years before building a prominent television career and later joining Reform UK.
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Political figures across Kent paid tribute, reflecting on her uncompromising style and colorful character.
Tributes from Colleagues and Opponents
Kent County Council leader Linden Kemkaran called Widdecombe a "national treasure."
"No one could match Ann Widdecombe for her sharp wit, warm humour, common sense, incredible insight and complete honesty," Kemkaran said.
Sally-Ann Marks, former chair of Widdecombe's Conservative constituency in Maidstone, described her as a "one-off" who could have been a stand-up comedian.
"She was incredibly funny, knew how to hold the floor and certainly did," Marks said, adding that despite political disagreements, she always listened to Widdecombe.
Former Conservative leader Lord Michael Howard, who clashed with Widdecombe when she served as prisons minister under him, confirmed they had reconciled.
"She was formidable and she was a real character and she was a good minister, though we did have our fallout," Lord Howard told BBC Radio Kent.
However, he expressed doubt that she had all the qualities needed to be prime minister.
Campaigner Howard Cox disagreed, stating Widdecombe should have been the second female prime minister after Margaret Thatcher.
"She should have been prime minister, there's no doubt about it," Cox said.
