Former Conservative minister turned Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe has died aged 78, her agents announced. Cloud 9 Management confirmed the news, extending condolences to her family and friends.

Widdecombe's political career spanned decades: she served as MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years, held Home Office and employment minister roles in John Major's government from 1994 to 1997, and later joined Reform UK. A staunch Brexiteer, she was elected as a Brexit Party MEP in 2019.

Beyond politics, Widdecombe became a pop-culture fixture: she appeared on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing - famously defying judges week after week with her choreography struggles alongside Anton Du Beke - and placed runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.

Her agents noted that her life was "driven by her strong Christian values and commitment to public service," and that she loved the "cut and thrust of political debate." Even after leaving Parliament 16 years ago, she remained "actively campaigning for Reform UK." The statement added that for many, she will be best (or worst?) remembered for her Strictly appearances, where the public delighted in her unsuccessful attempts to follow choreography.