Former MP Ann Widdecombe has told families struggling to eat thanks to the rising cost of food to 'stop making cheese sandwiches'. Her comment came after being told the price of cheese has risen by 101% in a year.
Widdecombe, who lives on Dartmoor in Devon, was an MP until 2010. During her time in Parliament, Widdecombe gained a reputation for her strong conservative views and her outspoken nature.
She held various positions within the Conservative Party, including Shadow Home Secretary from 1999 to 2001. Widdecombe retired from politics in 2010 and did not seek re-election.
After leaving politics, Widdecombe transitioned into a media career. She participated in several reality television shows, including Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.
Ann Widdecombe is also an author. She has written several books, including autobiographies and fiction novels. Widdecombe's political and personal views have often been a subject of controversy and debate due to her conservative stance on various social and moral issues.
Ms Widdecombe, 75, was asked on BBC ’s Politics Live: “What do you say to consumers who literally can’t afford to pay for even some of the basics if they have gone up the way that a cheese sandwich has?”
She replied: “Well then you don’t do the cheese sandwich.
“Because we have been decades without inflation we have come to regard it as some sort of given right that our food doesn’t go up.”
She branded pay rise pleas “utterly unrealistic”. Consumer expert Scott Dixon said: “People are sick and tired of hearing politicians who are clearly out of touch with the harsh reality and struggles millions of people face.”
Lib Dem Sarah Olney said: “How out of touch can you get? Families are struggling to afford the weekly shop.”
Latest figures from Which? showed the price of some cheeses have soared by as much as 101%.
