Former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe has died at the age of 78, her agents announced. Known for her long parliamentary career and later her role as a prominent Brexit supporter, Widdecombe passed away on July 10, 2026.

Widdecombe served as the Member of Parliament for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years. She held significant positions within the Conservative government, serving as a Home Office and an employment minister under Prime Minister John Major from 1994 to 1997. Her political career was marked by her strong socially conservative views and outspoken nature.

Following her time in Parliament, Widdecombe became a vocal advocate for the UK's departure from the European Union. She was elected as a Brexit Party MEP for South West England in 2019, serving until 2020. She later joined Reform UK, then known as the Brexit Party, as its immigration and justice spokesperson, actively campaigning for the party until her death.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, credited Widdecombe with playing a crucial role in the Brexit campaign. He stated that her decision to stand for the Brexit Party in the 2019 European elections provided a significant boost and was well-received by voters. He added that she would be greatly missed.

Beyond politics, Widdecombe gained significant public recognition for her appearances on popular television shows. She was a finalist on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018 and became a fan favorite during her participation in the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, reaching the semi-finals.

Her agents described her life and career as being guided by strong Christian values and a dedication to public service. They noted her enjoyment of political debate and her continued commitment to campaigning for Reform UK despite leaving Parliament over a decade ago.

Health Secretary James Murray acknowledged Widdecombe's firm views and willingness to express them. While not always agreeing with her perspectives, Murray recognized her substantial contribution to British politics and public life.

Widdecombe's career was often accompanied by controversy, stemming from her socially conservative stances on issues such as abortion and her comments regarding the LGBT community. In 2019, she faced criticism for suggesting that science might eventually offer a solution to homosexuality.