POLITICAL FIGURE AND FORMER CONSERVATIVE MINISTER ANN WIDDECOMBE DIES AT DARTMOOR HOME | INFORMING BRITAIN ON CURRENT AFFAIRS

Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative Member Of Parliament for Maidstone and television personality, died on 09 July 2026 at the age of 78.

She was found at her home in Haytor Vale on Dartmoor, Devon.

Her representatives confirmed the death today, 10 July 2026.

Widdecombe served as Member of Parliament for Maidstone from 1987 to 2010.

During her time in House Of Commons she held junior ministerial positions and contested The Conservative Party leadership in 2001.

After leaving Parliament she was elected as a Member Of European Parliament for The Brexit Party in 2019 and later aligned with Reform UK, serving as their spokesperson on immigration and justice.

​She appeared on television programmes including Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and Celebrity Big Brother.

Her political career focused on issues including opposition to abortion and support for Brexit.