British Politician Ann Widdecombe Dies at 78

Former British MP Ann Widdecombe has died at the age of 78. She served as a Conservative lawmaker from 1987 to 2010 and held several ministerial posts under Prime Minister John Major. In 2019, she left the Conservative Party to join the Brexit Party and was later elected to the European Parliament, according to Sky News.

She later became Reform UK's spokesperson on immigration. Party leader Nigel Farage paid tribute to Widdecombe as a leading figure in the Brexit movement who was genuinely loved by voters. Her death was confirmed by her management team.

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also paid tribute, describing Widdecombe as a principled, faith-driven woman who was never afraid to speak her mind. Health Minister James Murray echoed those sentiments, saying she had left an indelible mark on British public life, even though her views often sparked heated debate.

Throughout her political career, Widdecombe was known for her uncompromising Euroskeptic views. She also attracted controversy by defending the use of restraints on pregnant prisoners. Outside politics, she gained widespread popularity in 2010 when she appeared on the BBC dance competition Strictly Come Dancing.

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