A former Brexit Party member has paid heartfelt tribute to the ‘remarkable’ Ann Widdecombe, recalling her memorable visit to Gloucester in 2019 when she spoke at a sold-out political rally at the Guildhall.
Miss Widdecombe, aged 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday, July 9. Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a murder investigation, believing she was attacked the previous afternoon.
At the time of her death, Ann Widdecombe was affiliated with Reform UK, having joined the party in 2023. Previously, she was a member of the Brexit Party from 2019 and served as the Member of European Parliament (MEP) for South-West England between 2019 and 2020.
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It was during this period that she appeared as a guest speaker at a political rally held at Gloucester Guildhall in May 2019, just before the European elections. The event drew great interest, with all 280 seats selling out in just four days.
The meeting was hosted by Stuart Adair, who was then County Chairman and Brexit Party Coordinator for Gloucestershire. Following her death, Mr. Adair fondly remembered the event, particularly a humorous moment when Miss Widdecombe gently corrected his attempt to direct her where to stand.
“I was introducing Ann on stage in a packed Guildhall when, on the advice of our audio-visual expert, I asked her to stand behind the lectern to ensure proper sound and lighting,” Mr. Adair recalled. “Ann simply removed the microphone from its stand and stepped to center stage. When I politely asked her to move behind the lectern, she gave me one of those stern looks – like an elderly aunt dealing with misbehaving children – and said, ‘Mr Chairman, if I stand behind the lectern they’ll hear me, but they won’t be able to see me!’ It was a gentle telling-off, delivered with perfect humor, and the audience loved it.”
The moment, still available on YouTube, featured Miss Widdecombe joking, “I never have to say to an audience, ‘Can you hear me at the back?’ I have to say, ‘Can you see me at the back?’ That’s why I never stand behind a lectern.”
Mr. Adair reflected on her impact: “Whatever your political views, there’s something extraordinary about politicians who can captivate a crowd. Ann had an energy and presence that commanded respect, even from those who disagreed with her. Politics can be harsh, and it’s one reason I stepped away from that world. To thrive in it for so many years was an extraordinary achievement. Ann Widdecombe was a political master, and the world of politics is undeniably less interesting without her.”
In Gloucestershire, Cllr Vernon Smith, Leader of the Reform UK Group at Gloucestershire County Council, also paid tribute: “Ann Widdecombe was a wonderful person and a true friend to Reform UK here in Gloucestershire. She championed democracy, free speech, and the millions who felt ignored by the political establishment. She fought relentlessly for her beliefs, and she will be deeply missed by all our members. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.”
Meanwhile, police arrested a 28-year-old man in South Yorkshire on suspicion of Miss Widdecombe’s murder. He remains in custody as investigations continue.