Ann Widdecombe, Former Tory Minister and Brexit Advocate, Dies Aged 78

Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative government minister, has passed away at 78. Widdecombe served as the Member of Parliament for Maidstone from 1987 to 2010, holding various ministerial posts including Minister of State for Prisons.

Known for her assertive public persona and traditionalist views, Widdecombe was a polarising figure within British politics. Following her departure from the House of Commons, she remained active in public life, notably as a contestant on 'Strictly Come Dancing' and later as a leading advocate for the UK's departure from the European Union.

Her later political engagements included standing as a Brexit Party candidate in the 2019 European Parliament elections, where she secured a seat. Widdecombe's political career was consistently characterised by her firm opinions on immigration, law and order, and social policy, often placing her at odds with more progressive elements within her own party and beyond.