Former Conservative minister and TV personality Ann Widdecombe dies aged 78

Her management confirmed the news

The news of her death was confirmed by her management who said that the former MP and MEP died on Friday morning, adding that she would be missed "greatly".

Widdecombe served as MP for Maidstone for 23 years and was a minister of state for prisons and employment in John Major’s government.

Ann Widdecombe. Image: Getty.

She was perhaps most well known, however, for her TV appearances outside of politics, famously featuring on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

In her later political career, she went on to join Reform UK and became a vocal supporter of Brexit.

In a statement, Cloud9 Management, who represented her for more than a decade, said: “It is with great sadness that today we announce the death of the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, DSG.

“We send our deepest condolences to Ann’s family and friends. We ask that the family’s wish not to be contacted at this sad time is respected.”