LONDON: Former Conservative MP, government minister and television personality Ann Widdecombe has died at the age of 78, her representatives confirmed.

In a statement, her agents at Cloud 9 Management announced her passing and extended condolences to her family and friends. No immediate details regarding the cause of death were released.

Widdecombe was one of Britain's most recognizable political figures, serving as the Conservative MP for Maidstone, later Maidstone and The Weald, from 1987 until 2010. During her parliamentary career, she held several ministerial roles under former Prime Minister John Major, including Minister of State for Prisons, and later served as Shadow Home Secretary under William Hague.

Known for her outspoken conservative views, Widdecombe strongly opposed abortion and same-sex marriage and was a vocal advocate of Brexit. Frustrated with the Conservative government's handling of Britain's exit from the European Union, she left the party in 2019 to join the Brexit Party, where she was elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP). She later became a supporter of Reform UK and remained a close political ally of Nigel Farage.

Outside politics, Widdecombe gained a new generation of admirers after competing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 alongside professional dancer Anton Du Beke. Although not known for her dancing ability, her entertaining performances and distinctive personality made her one of the show's most memorable contestants. She also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and became a familiar face on British television.

A devout Christian, Widdecombe converted from the Church of England to Roman Catholicism in 1993 following the Church's decision to ordain women as priests. Throughout her life, she remained open about the importance of her faith and often described herself as proudly single.

Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum. Nigel Farage described her as an "absolute force of nature" and praised her loyalty, determination and unwavering commitment to her beliefs. He said she played a significant role in giving credibility to the Brexit movement and remained a trusted friend and adviser.

Even in her final years, Widdecombe continued to write newspaper columns and appear regularly on television, commenting on British politics and public policy. Her death marks the end of a career that spanned politics, broadcasting and public life for more than four decades.