The former Conservative MP and minister spent decades as a tough-talking presence in Westminster before finding a second life in entertainment, where her memorable Strictly Come Dancing routines introduced her to a new generation of viewers.
Her agents announced the sad news in a statement, saying they were sharing the d3ath of The Right Honourable Ann Widdecombe DSG with great sadness and sending condolences to her family and friends.
For many, Widdecombe was best known as a formidable figure on the Right: socially conservative, deeply guided by her Christian faith, and never shy about stating exactly where she stood. She served as MP for Maidstone, later Maidstone and The Weald, from 1987 until 2010 and held ministerial roles under John Major, including at Social Security, Employment and Prisons.
She later became shadow home secretary under William Hague and remained one of the most outspoken voices in the Conservative movement. Her views on moral issues, justice, drugs and Europe often made headlines, while her decision to convert to Roman Catholicism in 1993 became one of the defining personal choices of her public life.
Former Conservative MP and star of Strictly Come Dancing Ann Widdecombe has died at the age of 78
In 2010 she became an unlikely star of the hit BBC dancing show as she was paired with the long-suffering professional Anton Du Beke
In one of the last pictures taken of Ms Widdecombe, the politician campaigns outside Reform’s Wigan headquarters for the Makerfield by-election
Widdecombe’s relationship with the Conservative Party eventually changed dramatically. A passionate supporter of Brexit, she left the Tories to join Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party and was elected as an MEP for the South West in 2019. She later joined Reform UK in 2023 and remained an active commentator and campaigner almost until her final days.
Nigel Farage paid tribute to her as an “absolute force of nature”, describing her as someone who was capable of blunt private disagreement but intense public loyalty. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also remembered Widdecombe as a formidable politician who fought hard for what she believed in and stayed true to her values.
Yet beyond Parliament, it was her transformation into a TV personality that made her a true household name. In 2010, she joined Strictly Come Dancing and was paired with Anton Du Beke. The partnership became one of the show’s most talked-about pairings, not because of technical perfection, but because of its theatrical charm and fearless sense of fun.
Despite consistently low scores from the judges, Widdecombe lasted until week ten and became a fan favourite. Her routines were frequently comic, sometimes chaotic and always memorable. For viewers, the sight of the stern former minister being swept across the dance floor by Anton became one of Strictly’s most unexpected pleasures.
Ms Widdecombe, aged five-weeks-old, is held by her mother Rita as her ten-year-old brother Malcolm grins in the background
The former Conservative politician smiles outside the Houses of Parliament in her younger days
Ms Widdecombe is interviewed by Piers Morgan in 2011 following her decision to quit as MP for Maidstone and the Weald
The MPÂ announces the shortlist for the WH Smith Books Awards at her Westminster office in 2002
Ms Widdecombe shares her views while representing the Brexit Party as an MEP in Strasbourg
She was elected as a member of European Parliament for the Brexit Party in 2019
Her ballroom adventure was so warmly received that MPs later supported a parliamentary motion celebrating her and Anton for putting a smile on the nation’s faces. She returned for the show’s festive special in 2018 and also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, finishing in second place.
Widdecombe was also a novelist, columnist, animal lover and frequent television guest. She appeared in a Louis Theroux documentary, hosted Have I Got News For You, joined pantomime productions and became known for a public persona that blended stern conviction with eccentric entertainment value.
Her career was not without controversy. Widdecombe’s views on sexuality, gender, faith and Brexit drew heavy criticism from opponents, while her comments on some social issues continued to divide audiences long after she left Parliament. But supporters admired her consistency, courage and refusal to soften her opinions for popularity.
Born in Bath in 1947, she studied Latin at the University of Birmingham before reading philosophy, politics and economics at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. She became a councillor in Surrey in 1976, entered Parliament in 1987 and built a career defined by discipline, argument and conviction.
She never married and often spoke openly about her quiet private life, her love of cats and animals, and her pride in remaining independent. In public, she became one of those figures people either strongly agreed with or strongly challenged — but few could ignore.
Nigel Farage and then-Brexit Party member Ms Widdecombe enjoy a cream tea in Plymouth in 2019
The politician refused to apologise over racism allegations despite admitting using the term golliwog in Brexit Party WhatsApp group
Ms Widdecombe speaks during Reform’s Wiltshire conference at The Civic Trowbridge in February last year
Ms Widdecombe appeared on a talk show as recently as Wednesday, where she doubled down on her support for Reform leader Nigel Farage ahead of the Clacton by-election
Ann Widdecombe’s passing closes the chapter on a public life that stretched from the front benches of Westminster to the glitter of the Strictly ballroom. She was controversial, uncompromising, theatrical and unmistakably herself — a rare political character who became part of Britain’s broader cultural memory.
For those who followed her career, whether through politics, television or public debate, her d3ath marks the loss of a figure who always knew how to command a room, provoke a reaction and leave people talking.
