Anne Widdecombe has died

Padstow13

Ah, yes - quite infamously converted to Roman Catholicism as a protest against the ordination of women priests by the Anglican Church.

Says it all.

The fact that the poster uses the term infamously perhaps says it all about its its author

Our friend was on the same Strictly series as Ann (series 8) and said she was kind, friendly and extremely funny.

Crikey, J Vine show still discussing Anne. Nearly an hour of tributes and phonecalls from her fans.

I worked with her a couple of times. She was supportive, helpful and quite charming. One of the things I remember is that she had the most lovely hands - and always well manicured.

I always though of her as being a bit like the political version of Miriam Margolyes (without the swearing and lewd remarks). The same unabashed straightforwardness.

R.I.P. Anne.

I don't believe people are all good or all bad. It is our choices which define us. I believe she made poor choices. I am sad that she has died. John Donne said, "each man's death diminishes me," and I would agree with that. I would disagree with most of her beliefs but someone said she was kind and my son said she was very good to animals. I hope the positive things will be what is celebrated about her while all parts of her personality are remembered

What a marvellous lady Ann Widecombe rest in peace. Hopefully going to a politics free zone?

I liked and admired Anne Widdecombe.
Highly intelligent, very hard worker, mistress of the riposte, a great deal of common sense tempered with sympathy, and the ability to laugh at herself.
I remember her saying when asked why she had decided to join Strictly, that all her life she had been responsible for or to a position; now she was retired she was going to have some fun, and I hope she enjoyed it.
A life well spent..

Whitewavemark2

Never speak I’ll of the dead.

So I won’t.

Assuming that your device autocorrected ’ill’ to ‘I’ll’, I will also leaf my opinion unsaid.

She was a regular on Jeremy Vine show on TV and they are just doing a lovely tribute to her. Everybody is saying what a very kind person she was.

Definitely a remarkable lady of strong views. I admired her for sticking to her guns.
RIP Anne Widdecombe

RIP Anne. Not a person I ever agreed with but that doesn’t prevent me from thinking of her loved ones right now.

RIP Ann. I disagreed with alot of what she said, but she was honest, straightforward, and totally believed in what she said.

It was said upthread she was unremarkable. I beg to differ. People from all parties have said whilst not agreeing with her respected her. It was also said she had a good sense of humour.

A formidable lady who will be missed.

Yes I have respect for people, especially politicians who aren’t afraid to voice their views.

Politically, I disagreed with absolutely everything about Jeremy Corbyn but at least everyone knew what they would be getting with him, unlike Starmer who ties himself in knots trying, and failing, to be all things to all men.

RIP Ann

Ahh really. I loved Annie, she was straight to point, would call a spade a spade. RIP

She was definitely a force of nature, what a lady.
I didn’t always agree with her, but I admired her clear and forthright stance.
Sad to see she has died, they don't make Politicians like her anymore.
RIP.

RIP Ann Widdecombe 💐

A formidable lady, who was reputed to be kind and caring to all new female MP’s, her faith meant so much to her.

She was principled throughout her life.

We saw her on the StrictlyTour and in pantomime with Craig Revel Horwood, she looked she was having an absolute ball

RIP Anne. The amazing thing is, practically everything she stood for is, even today, clearly supported by many ordinary, quiet, English people within these islands.

I expect the obituaries to describe her has "hard right" and "fringe".

Sago

Padstow13

Ah, yes - quite infamously converted to Roman Catholicism as a protest against the ordination of women priests by the Anglican Church.

Says it all.

What does “says it all” mean to you?

To me it means a woman of strong principle.

I have recently re engaged with Church. All the priests are female. They are absolutely wonderful people. Inclusive, genuine, inspiring.

Never speak I’ll of the dead.

So I won’t.

Padstow13

Ah, yes - quite infamously converted to Roman Catholicism as a protest against the ordination of women priests by the Anglican Church.

Says it all.

What does “says it all” mean to you?

To me it means a woman of strong principle.

I liked her straightforward manner. No people pleasing.
Whether you agreed with her or not she stuck to her principles.
I didn’t realise she was supporting reform.

RIP Ann, I liked her no nonsense approach, so many politicians just say what people want to hear regardless of what they think.

There are few real characters around today but she def was one whether you liked her views or not. She was honest about her own opinions and didn’t try to change to fit in with everyone else, or be scared of voicing something a rare feat for a politician especially today.
She had strong religious feelings too which she didn’t cover up.
A strong and capable woman and politician I think.

Sorry to hear about Ann. RIP.
Regardless of her politics, I liked her no nonsense approach and she was, as has already been mentioned, a good sport.

My lasting memory is her performance on Strictly, with Anton Du Beke.
youtu.be/oTlRufBoeYg?is=c-fHrYbs2H04o0XR