- Ann Widdecombe , a former Conservative minister and later Reform UK member, has died at the age of 78.
- She served as an MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years, holding ministerial roles for prisons and employment in John Major's government , and later as shadow home and health secretary .
- After leaving the House of Commons in 2010, Widdecombe appeared on popular television shows including Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
- She returned to politics in 2019 with the Brexit Party, winning a seat in the European Parliament which she held until the UK left the EU in 2020.
- Her death was confirmed by her agents, Cloud 9 Management, who stated her career was driven by strong Christian values and a commitment to public service.
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