Ann Widdecombe former MP and MEP has died aged 78

Former Conservative MP, MEP and television personality Ann Widdecombe, who had longstanding links to a West Sussex-based charity, has died aged 78.

Her management announced her death today (10.07.2026), describing the news as a great sadness and asking for the privacy of her family and friends to be respected. A cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

Born in Bath in 1947, Ms Widdecombe entered Parliament in 1987 and represented Maidstone, later Maidstone and The Weald, until standing down in 2010.

During John Major’s government, she held a series of ministerial posts, including employment and prisons minister. In opposition, she served as shadow health secretary and shadow home secretary and became one of Westminster’s most recognisable and outspoken figures.

A committed supporter of Brexit, she left the Conservatives in 2019 and was elected as a Brexit Party MEP for South West England. She served in the European Parliament until Britain formally left the European Union in January 2020 and later became involved with Reform UK.

Away from frontline politics, she developed a successful broadcasting and entertainment career. Her appearances included Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity Big Brother and numerous documentaries, discussion programmes and stage productions. She was also an author.

Ms Widdecombe had a longstanding connection with Safe Haven for Donkeys, an international animal-welfare charity whose UK headquarters are located in Wivelsfield, near Haywards Heath in West Sussex.

The organisation names her as its first patron. Founded in 2000, the charity works to improve the welfare of working donkeys and other equines in vulnerable communities overseas, providing veterinary treatment, education and sanctuary care.

Ms Widdecombe publicly promoted its work and visited its donkey sanctuary in the West Bank in 2014. Her support formed part of a wider interest in animal welfare, which continued alongside her political, media and public-speaking career.

A statement has been issued by Safe Haven for Donkeys on its website: "Safe Haven for Donkeys is deeply saddened by the loss of our Patron, Ann Widdecombe.

"Ann had been our Patron since 2002 and, over the past 24 years, played an invaluable role in raising the profile of our charity and securing much-needed funds. Her generosity and dedication were evident in everything she did for us, including her appearances on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and Celebrity Chase, where she supported our work with remarkable commitment.

"Everyone at Safe Haven for Donkeys is immensely grateful for Ann’s unwavering support and friendship over so many years. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and all who knew and loved her.

"She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by everyone at the charity."

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