A former Brexit Party member has paid heartfelt tribute to the ‘remarkable’ Ann Widdecombe and fondly recalled her visit to Gloucester Guildhall in 2019, where she spoke to a sold-out crowd.
Ann Widdecombe, 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 on Wednesday afternoon.
At the time of her passing, Miss Widdecombe had been a member of Reform UK since 2023. Before that, she was part of the Brexit Party from 2019 and served as the Member of European Parliament (MEP) for South-West England from 2019 to 2020.
Her visit to Gloucester Guildhall took place in May 2019, just before the European elections. The event, hosted in Eastgate Street, saw all 280 seats sold out in just four days. Stuart Adair, then County Chairman and Brexit Party Co-ordinator for Gloucestershire, hosted the rally.
Reflecting on the occasion, Mr. Adair shared a memorable anecdote about Miss Widdecombe’s commanding stage presence. As she approached the lectern, she removed the microphone and confidently moved to center stage, ensuring all could see her. When Adair politely asked her to stand behind the lectern for better audio-visual capture, she responded with gentle humor: “Mr Chairman, if I stand behind the lectern they’ll certainly hear me, but they won’t be able to see me!”
This lighthearted moment, which is still available to watch on YouTube, perfectly showcased her charisma. She even joked to the audience, “I never have to say, ‘Can you hear me at the back?’ I have to say, ‘Can you see me at the back?’ That is why I never stand behind a lectern.”
Mr. Adair reflected, “Regardless of your political beliefs, politicians who can captivate an audience have something truly remarkable. Ann Widdecombe’s energy and presence allowed her to present her views so compellingly that even opponents respected her craft.”
He continued, “Politics can be unforgiving and harsh, which is why I stepped away from it. To thrive in that world for so many years was extraordinary. Ann commanded respect across the spectrum. I feel privileged to have witnessed a political master at work. The political world will be less vibrant without her.”
In Gloucester, 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 stood for democracy, free speech, and the voices of ordinary people often ignored by the establishment. Her unwavering fight for her beliefs will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”
Police have now arrested a 28-year-old man in South Yorkshire on suspicion of Miss Widdecombe’s murder. He remains in custody.