Former Tory MP and Reform UK spokesperson dies at 78

Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson known for her forthright political views and later fame on television shows like Strictly Come Dancing, has died at the age of 78. Her death was confirmed by her management, Cloud9, in a statement issued on Friday, July 10, 2026.

Widdecombe served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone, and later Maidstone and The Weald, from 1987 until she stood down at the 2010 general election. She rose through the ranks under Prime Minister John Major, holding ministerial positions including prisons minister, a role that ended with the Conservative defeat in 1997. Her political career was marked by staunch Euroscepticism and socially conservative views, which included opposition to abortion and expanded LGBT rights.

After leaving Parliament, she remained in the public eye through prominent television appearances. She competed on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, partnered with professional dancer Anton Du Beke, and survived nine weeks of the competition largely due to public support. She later finished as runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.

Her political career revived with the Brexit movement. She campaigned...