Politics · 10 July 2026
Ann Widdecombe, former Tory minister and reality TV star, dies aged 78
Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, has died at the age of 78. She represented Maidstone in Kent as a Member of Parliament for 23 years and occupied ministerial positions in Sir John Major's government. After leaving Parliament, she became known for her appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother, later joining the Brexit Party.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs