\n<\/p>\n
Widdecombe served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone for 23 years, holding ministerial roles in Sir John Major’s government between 1994 and 1997.<\/p>\n
Following her departure from the Commons in 2010, Widdecombe appeared on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing that year, and was a runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother eight years later.<\/p>\n
She joined the Brexit Party in 2019, where she represented South West England as its MEP from 2019 to 2020.<\/p>\n
On Sunday, about 40 mourners gathered in Haytor Vale to pay tribute to Widdecombe, including senior Reform figures.<\/p>\n
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice said he had spoken to Widdecombe on Monday and he “nearly fell over with shock and horror” when he heard of her death. <\/p>\n
“We have lost an absolute colossus, a legend in all our lifetime,” he told the crowd.<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute to Widdecombe last week, describing her death as a “significant loss” as he called on people to “rise above” political differences. <\/p>\n
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described Widdicombe as a “very fun and feisty woman”, adding her “heart is breaking for [Widdecombe’s] family”. <\/p>\n
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who visited Dartmoor to pay his respects to the 78 year old, described her as a “remarkable individual” and “the fiercest defender of free speech”. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n