Ann Widdecombe, former Conservative minister and Reform UK figure, dies at 78
The former Conservative minister, a fierce Eurosceptic who later joined Nigel Farage's Reform UK, made one of her final interventions in a June by-election campaign.
Death announced on Friday
Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative MP and minister, died on Friday 10 July 2026 at the age of 78. Her management team confirmed the news in a statement released that morning.
It is with great shock and sadness that today we announced the passing of the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe.
The statement described her as a "consummate professional" who "loved the cut and thrust of political debate". The family requested privacy.
Political career and Euroscepticism
Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010, representing Maidstone and later Maidstone and the Weald. She held ministerial posts in John Major's government as a Home Office minister and an employment minister. Her time at the Home Office included a memorable clash with then home secretary Michael Howard.
He has something of the night about him.
She also drew criticism for defending a policy of chaining pregnant prisoners to their beds. A lifelong social conservative, she opposed abortion and wider LGBT rights throughout her Commons career.
Brexit, the European Parliament and Reform UK
A prominent Eurosceptic, Widdecombe supported the Vote Leave campaign during the 2016 referendum. After leaving the Commons, she joined the Brexit Party in 2019, serving as an MEP for South West England between 2019 and 2020. In 2023 she became a member of Nigel Farage's Reform UK, the Brexit Party's successor, and appeared at the 2024 party conference as Reform's immigration spokesperson.
Strictly and public life after Westminster
Widdecombe reached a different kind of audience after politics. In 2010 she competed on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with Anton du Beke, and survived to the semi-finals on the strength of the public vote.
We send our deepest condolences to Ann's family and friends. We ask that the family's wish not to be contacted at this sad time is respected.
Final public warning on Makerfield
In one of her final public appearances, Widdecombe appeared on Jeremy Vine & Daytime on 5 on 17 June 2026. She warned that Rupert Lowe's party risked splitting the right-of-Conservative vote, arguing it was the only thing standing between Reform's Robert Kenyon and victory. Andy Burnham went on to win the Makerfield by-election.
