SH0KING NEWS: Ann Widdecombe’s family share latest update with memorial announcement following harrowing head injuries development
The latest news on Ann Widdecombe brings a fresh update from her family, who have now confirmed plans for a public memorial later this year.
The former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman died earlier this month at the age of 78.
Police found her at her home in Dartmoor with serious head injuries. Her family has now revealed what will happen next.
They thanked the public for its support and also asked mourners to respect a private funeral in the coming weeks.
Ann Widdecombe latest answers one big question
In a statement, her family said they know many people want to pay their respects. However, they made it clear that the first service will remain private.
They said: “We understand that there is significant public interest in the funeral of Ann Widdecombe.”
The family added: “A private service for family and close friends will be held in the coming weeks, and invitations for this ceremony have been distributed.”
They also confirmed: “A more public memorial will follow later in the year, the details of which will be released in due course.”
Her relatives then thanked well-wishers for their support. They said: “While we are very grateful for the wide expression of condolences, the family would ask that this initial service is limited to those closest to Ann.”
That statement answers the biggest question many supporters had. It also explains why the first farewell will remain a private occasion.
Tributes pour in as Ann Widdecombe latest sparks emotion
Tributes poured in from across television and politics after news of her d3ath emerged.
Anton Du Beke, who partnered Ann Widdecombe on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, said he was devastated. He described it as the “saddest of news”.
He said: “I had the most brilliant time with Ann on Strictly Come Dancing, she became a real friend, she was fun, she was upbeat, she was positive, she was supportive, she was game, wanted to enter into the spirit of the whole thing.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the party was “reeling”. She described Ann as “a very fun and feisty woman who spoke her mind”.
Sir Keir Starmer called her a “distinguished politician”. Nigel Farage also paid tribute in a video shared on social media.
He described her as “an extraordinary woman” and “someone who gave her life to public service, to fighting for the things she believed in”.
Farage added that she was “a devout Christian and somebody with strong socially conservative views. Perhaps not popular in modern Britain but that is what Ann believed in”.
From Westminster veteran to TV favourite
Ann Widdecombe enjoyed a long career in public life before becoming a familiar face on television.
She served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years. She also held ministerial positions in Sir John Major’s government during the 1990s.
After leaving the Commons, she moved into television. She appeared on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and finished runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.
She later represented South West England as a Brexit Party MEP. In 2023, she joined Reform UK as a spokeswoman.
Joshua Kerry, 28, from South Yorkshire, has been charged with her 𝑚𝑢𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑟 following an investigation led by counter-terrorism detectives.
A provisional trial date has been set for June 8, 2027. The exact cause of d3ath has not yet been established.
