Former Conservative minister and Reform UK member Ann Widdecombe has died aged 78, ending a political career that spanned more than three decades and later included roles in television and European politics.Her death was confirmed by her agents, Cloud 9 Management, who said she had dedicated her life to public service and was guided by strong Christian values. “It is with great sadness that today we announce the death of The Right Honorable Ann Widdecombe,” the agency was quoted as saying by the BBC, offering condolences to her family and friends.Born on 4 October 1947 in Bath, Somerset, Widdecombe was elected to Parliament in 1987 as the Conservative MP for Maidstone and The Weald, representing the constituency for 23 years before stepping down in 2010.He held ministerial positions during the government of John Major, serving in the Home Office and later as Minister for Employment between 1994 and 1997. After the Conservatives moved into opposition, she became a senior figure on the front bench, taking on the roles of Shadow Home Secretary and later Shadow Health Secretary.After leaving Westminster, Widdecombe gained a wider public profile through television, appearing on shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and being runner-up in Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.She returned to politics in 2019 with the Brexit Party and won election as Member of the European Parliament for South West England. She remained in this role until Britain left the European Union in 2020.A strong advocate for Brexit, Widdecombe later joined Reform UK following the party’s rebranding in 2023. He served as its immigration spokesperson and continued regular media appearances.