Ann Widdecombe Remembrance memorial
We are saddened to learn of the passing of the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Maidstone since 2007. For more than two decades, Ann was a passionate advocate for Maidstone and its communities. Her commitment to public service, fierce dedication to her constituents and unmistakable presence in public life left a lasting mark on our borough. Council Leader Cllr Stuart Jeffery said: “Ann was a formidable parliamentarian, a dedicated constituency MP and a strong champion for Maidstone. The affection she held for the borough was clear throughout her years of service.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts and pay tribute to Ann. We know this is a deeply upsetting case that has had a profound impact on our community, and our thoughts remain with Ann’s family, friends and all those affected.
As criminal proceedings are now live and an individual has been charged in connection with Ann’s murder, we have taken the decision to close the book of condolence. This is to help protect the integrity of the legal process and ensure a fair trial can take place. Thank you for your understanding and for continuing to show respect and compassion during this difficult time.
Why…… sleep well wonderful English character
Remembered by: Robbie Hartwell
A wonderful forthright caring and honest human being ready to contribute for the greater good. The world will be a poorer place without Ann. Maidstone was privileged to have her as our MP. RIP
Remembered by: Ian Osborne
So sorry to hear this Anne, you were a lovely lady. Met you a few times, you were always kind and considerate - and funny. R.I.P.💔💔
Remembered by: Karen Maloney
I was very saddened to hear of Ann Widdecombe’s passing.She kindly wrote the foreword to a book created by my late mother and fellow patients at the Heart of Kent Hospice. It was a gesture our family never forgot.My mother always believed that kindness and compassion were life’s greatest qualities, and Ann’s support reflected exactly that.Rest in peace, and my sincere condolences to her family and loved ones.
Remembered by: Christian Williams
Met Ann at Igtham Mote, she was such a lovely lady and really got into the spirit of acting as a vulnerable lady and being alerted by the dogs. My thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time. RIP.
Remembered by: Janice Grant
I am so sorry this has happened to you. Taken before your time.Rest easy Ann. May you be at peace.
Remembered by: Denise
Our thoughts are with your family and friends. RIP.
Remembered by: Linda Wayman
Great Constituency MP .Took pains to sort problems out Sad end during her retirement years
Remembered by: John Williams
Met Ann on several occasions mainly through her patronage of the charity HiKent, Kent’s only charity of the hard of hearing, based in Maidstone and Canterbury. As in everything she did, Ann was enthusiastic and energetic and an evening in her company was an education. A truly worthy patron.Her demise is difficult to fathom and unwarranted.RIP dear lady.
Remembered by: Pat Todd
Thank you Anne for your strength to fight for what you believed in, and your kindness when we asked for help, we felt heard. You were strong, committed and always true to your beliefs and said what you thought, something that we always praised and admired you for. A great loss to our society.
Remembered by: Dot Comley
I offer my condolences to your family and friends for the loss of an amazing lady who did so much for Maidstone and was an inspiration to us all RIP Ann you will be missed
Remembered by: Michelle Antonelli
Your story wasnt ment to end like that may you now be able to live over the rainbow in peace and harmony xx
Remembered by: Julie xx
Ann was my dearly beloved cousin. We disagreed about a lot of things but it didn’t matter. We spent childhood holidays together and visited each other whenever we could as adults. I miss her constant presence, her kindness and her great sense of humour. I cannot believe I will never see her living happily in her Dartmoor retreat again. I hope you were right, Ann, and that you are now with your parents and brother in Heaven.
Remembered by: Kate Hack
Watched you on TV loved you stood by your ground on views So shocked to hear you had died then to hear what had happened so shockingHope your looking down to see how well loved you were. Rest in peace ann xx
Remembered by: Lucy
Whatever your politics Ann Widdecombe was an excellent MP and a person dedicated to her residents and this country. A strong lady who spoke her mind and was not afraid to do so. May she rest in peace.
Remembered by: Councillor Ziggy Trzebinski
I never met Ann, but she seemed to be a very genuine person, full of fun. She'll be sadly missed by many people. RIP.
Remembered by: Jane Ferns
Sending my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe at this terrible time. She was an asset not just to Maidstone but to Kent as a whole as an MP. I am very grateful for the time she gave to us and all the fun bits too. There is much good to think of at this sad, sad time. Goodness prevails.
Remembered by: KATHARINE E FORD
Saddened and shocked by your untimely death, Ann. Although I never knew you personally you were our MP and were forthright and courageous in your views. None one deserved to have their lives ended like that but your legacy will surely live on. R.I.P.
Remembered by: Malcy
Keep on Dancing Ann, thoughts are with your Family and Friends.
Remembered by: Jo Smith
Ann was the true voice of common sense. She will be missed more than people realise. RIP
Remembered by: Kay Pearce
Condolences to your friends and family, cannot believe you met such a cruel end, rest in peace Ann God Bless...🙏💔🙏
Remembered by: Mrs Gillian Griffin
I met Ann briefly when she visited our Tovil Tesco store,I had the privilege to make her a cup of tea,RIP Ann 😘🙏🙏
Remembered by: Ilse Rawlinson
Ann was a great speaker. Even if one disagreed with her views she spoke with passion and conviction. I always felt she was being open and honest and had a great sense of humour.Such a tragic end to a life well livedRest in Peace Ann, may you be reunited with your loved ones
Remembered by: Diane Hodges
You will be greatly missed, if only there were more like you in the government. Good old fashioned principles and a lovely lady.
Remembered by: Lynda Sexton
RIP Ann condolences to your family
Remembered by: Susan Vaughan
Ann, your memory and legacy will be cherished by many for years to come. Thank you for your unwavering support and service to our country. May you rest in peace xx
Remembered by: Matthew Wildsmith
May you rest in peace , you will not be forgotten.
Remembered by: Mo Hampstead
i could not believe what i was reading i met her in maidstone RIP Ann very sad
Remembered by: Michelle Potten
What this lovely woman did for Maidstone is and was amazing and will be sorely missed by many. What she lacked in height was more than made up for in her STRENGTH, INTELLIGENCE, KINDNESS, INTEGRITY AND MANY MORE ASPECTS that I cannot begin to mention. I had the pleasure to meet her at least 3 times and tho she did not suffer fools she like myself would quite happily tell you her opinion as she saw it. Bless you Anne, you were and will ALWAYS be a legend. Myself and my children thank you for the help you gave us. You left this world way too soon but I hope you have found your own eternal peace. ( Tho I'm sure you will be giving your advice to those up there who ask for advice, lol )
Remembered by: Geraldine Cole
rip ann u was good at ur job shame u now gone miss you alot rip ann
Remembered by: jordan
True to yourself and those you represented
Remembered by: Pat Gillingham
Although i didn't agree with lots of what you said, you owned it and unlike many , stood by your word.
Remembered by: Traci Kennealy
A true advocate for her Maidstone constituents RIP Ann
Remembered by: Anne Bristow
Ann, Rest in eternal peace. You were the best MP Maidstone ever had. Thank you for working so hard for your residents.
Remembered by: Tim Mumford
Such a caring, honest, forthright and thoroughly decent lady. Such a shock when I heard of her passing. Rest in peace now. Condolences to family and friends.
Remembered by: A fellow Sutton Valence resident.
What a truly remarkable woman...you always stayed true to your word... may you r.i.p
Remembered by: Emma Cronin
Having lived in Maidstone and later in Devon too, I have fond memories of Ann. I remember her as a very strong woman, who was also very kind and caring. R.I.P Ann blessings to family and friends.
Remembered by: Ginny
Ann Widdecombe was an exemplary constituency MP. She was very supportive of me in my long battle with an aspect of government bureaucracy in the 1990s and I shall always be very grateful to her for that. Rest eternal grant unto her, oh Lord and may light perpetual shine upon her!
Remembered by: Mike Thompson
She taught me to use critical thinking and evaluation. A real gem. We have not had a statesperson in our political arena since Thatcher - Ann was another rare politician who had morals values and ethics - thank you Ann and rest in peace 🙏🏽🪽🕊️
Remembered by: Mrs r k dogra
Loved your spirit and strength. You were my kind of politician - honest and decent which is non existent right now. God bless you
Remembered by: Patricia Thomas
I only met you once but you were generous and friendly. RIP
Remembered by: Kare
Rip Ann, you were the person who sparked my interest in politics.
Remembered by: Ryan Newell
We have been shocked and extremely saddened by what has happened. Thank you for being my voice, my champion and just being you. You have touched so many lives without even knowing us all. Rest peacefully
Remembered by: Victoria Walker
Sincerest condolences to Ann's family, friends and colleagues on her untimely passing. I always enjoyed listening to and watching Ann from the Republic of Ireland. It's difficult not to admire a person who was so steadfast in her views and convictions. What's become apparent in recent days is that Ann lived in line with the sentiment of St. Augustine - "With love for mankind and hatred for sins.". As we say in Ireland, at a time of bereavement - Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis - May Ann rest in eternal peace.
Remembered by: Maeve Sullivan
Legend for promoting free speech and brave lady for sticking to her principles, regardless of how the wind blew.
Remembered by: Rob Duncan
Two of my jobs within Maidstone involved meeting/working with Ann Widdecombe. She was a visible supporter of local businesses and people within the borough. How many MPs tour their constituency in a car with a megaphone to thank people for voting for them? - Ann Widdecombe did it every time she was elected. Ann will be remembered with much affection for the character that she was.
Remembered by: Karen Luck Pearson
Ann - you were a hard working, loyal, unwavering servant of the people of Maidstone and beyond for many years. If something needed doing you got on with it without any fuss. You didn't apologise for or hide your Christian beliefs and nor should you.I feel great sadness along with every other decent person who was fortunate enough to observe you in all your endeavours. Rest in Peace Ann
Remembered by: Andrew Nuttall
You will be sorely missed, especially by like minded people who loved your open, common sense approach so lacking in many today. You were one of a kind, generous, supportive and loyal, a truly decent soul in a world full of hate and resentment. Met you several times and although you were busy you made time and were a pleasure to know. RIP.
Remembered by: Suzanne James
feel my deep condolences to Honourable to Dear MS Ann Noreen Widdecombe her Family and Friends
Remembered by: Mrs E Adams
A formidable lady courage resilient and fun side on strictly come dancing forever remembered rest in peace
Remembered by: Sarah townsend
Deepest sympathy to Ann's family and friends. A tragedy that should have never happened. A once in a lifetime person to be admired and respected, whatever your politics, for her forthright manner in all she did with the utmost conviction. May you Rest In Peace and Rise In Glory
Remembered by: Jo Revitt
Thank you for serving the people of Maidstone RIP lovely lady
Remembered by: Linda Hampshire
Feisty strong lady …loved her XXX
Remembered by: Zenagriffin
Such a sad loss to our nation .
Remembered by: Elizabeth Haslam
Rest in peace
Remembered by: Simon
May God bless you Ann. We met you many years ago, and you helped us so much. You were a very strong lady and loved by many. RIP.
Remembered by: Alison Cooper
Ann was a shining example to us all. A huge advocate for public service in democracy. A formidable and brave politician who stayed true to her values and her dedicated service to the communities of Maidstone will never be forgotten. Thank you Ann.
Remembered by: Cllr Chris Houlihan
Thank you for all your service to the Borough as my MP for over 20 years
Remembered by: Mick Summersgill
A Lady after my own heart, if you say you're going to do something do it, if you say it, its because you mean it.....RIP
Remembered by: Jean Duffy
Ann was strong lady who whatever stuck by her views, principles and faith. Was always honest and a true friend and loved by many. Condolences to her family. May you rest in peace Ann.
Remembered by: Lynda Holder
Rest in the peace you have so well earned Ann. I thank you for your kindness and support to my family, and your committment as our MP .
Remembered by: Denise Taghdissian
Such a lovely lady. God bless
Remembered by: Carol Lewis
Ann, you were a fantastic politician caring about people and helping them get justice, us included. If you hadn’t helped us we would never have got the resolution we deserved. You will be sadly missed God bless you
Remembered by: Mark and Margaret Locke
Ann, wonderful Ann. Many years ago you helped us which meant we, including our young daughter could pay our mortgage again and stay in our home. I will ALWAYS be grateful for that. You felt the same as I did, you were horrified by the injustice of it all, and to this day I don’t know what you did but you sorted it within two days when I’d been fighting for two years. Thank you. THANK YOU for saving us, and thousands of others. Condolences to your family and friends. Rest well Ann, your wonderful work is done xxxxx
Remembered by: Lisa Lomas
I was very sad to hear of Ann's passing. She was a lovely fun lady and had time for everyone. I remember walking past her in Gabriels Hill and saying hello and stop for a brief chat. On another occasion we visited my sis in law in Haytor Devon and were driving down the bumpy road to her cottage, then towards us came Ann driving her landrover. We had to reverse right back onto the main road, she did stop and say thankyou. She will be greatly missed.
Remembered by: Jenny Langrish
I remember being a little girl in the '90s and seeing Ann walk through Maidstone. I was completely star-struck and excited, to this day me and family still talk about my first encounter with Ann. To me, she represented a powerful, strong and independent woman who wasn't afraid to stand by what she believed. That little girl never imagined she'd one day have the chance to meet her. Rest in peace, Ann. Thank you for inspiring so many people in your own unmistakable way.
Remembered by: Steph
With out a doubt the best member of parliament Maidstone has ever had, added bonus she actually lived in the borough, also a champion of free speech
Remembered by: Kirkyboy
We are very shocked about what happened to a great lady and we send our love and support to her family
Remembered by: Martin Jarmaine
Thank you for being a fantastic MP and for your unwavering commitment to do what you believed to be right. A wonderful woman who used discourse and debate. You will be greatly missed.
Remembered by: deborah barton
Rest in peace
Remembered by: Alisha
I didn't agree with a single thing Ann Widdecombe said but I had great respect and admiration for her forthright and honest character.. A politician who believed in something and was prepared to argue her reasons and to listen. I also believe that she was a kind and supportive friend. Her like will not be seen again. A great loss.
Remembered by: Penny fo
Dear Ann, Thank you for your many years of service to the people of Maidstone. Rest In Eternal Peace.
Remembered by: Mary
A lady I met many times and on each occasion I was struck by her high intellect and depth of knowledge on many topics. I may not have agreed with her politics but that does not detract from acknowledging that she was an exceptionally hard working MP and a great communicator - with an often wicked sense of humour. A lady I was priviledged to have known, who entered many lives and enriched every one. To her family I send heartfelt sympathies
Remembered by: Gill Noyes
Rest in peace Ann.You are surely missed.
Remembered by: Chiv Tan
I never met Ann, but I admired and respected her greatly. Her death has upset me greatly. My sincerest condolences. She’ll never be forgotten.
Remembered by: Shirley Taylor
Our sadness at you passing is sore just now. You are now with your god in heaven. Bless you rest in peace darling Ann
Remembered by: Linda Impe
What a shock, such a wonderful lady, ill never forget the meal a group of us shared several years ago.Such a comical lady whos humor was not always shown to many.Thoughts and prayers to her loved ones.
Remembered by: Andrew obrien
Sincere condolences to Ann Widecombes relatives and friends.
Remembered by: M
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Ann. When I was a child, my dad had a heart attack on Christmas and was in hospital in a ward of other critical condition patients. It was a horrific time. We visited him and during the visit, Ann visited the ward. She gave my dad a pencil to fill out the crossword. As he had visitors, she spent a long time with other patients that didn’t on Christmas Day. Many would later pass. The kindness shown made everyone feel less alone, and as a child I didn’t fully understand just how important that was. Many, including myself, did not agree with her views, but in the time of crisis she was compassionate.
Remembered by: Katherine Richards
Ann was steadfast in her beliefs and never shied away from defending them. She advocated for freedom of speech and never ever condemned those who slandered her. She gave her all when she committed to a cause. We are all worse off for her passing.
Remembered by: Chrissie Linnit
An incredible lady and a credit to our country! You will be sadly missed! Rest in Peace Ann
Remembered by: Mary Jones
I offer my sincere condolences on the passing of Ann. I never met this lady but she certainly made a difference. She stood for that which is right, honest and decent. She was a constant force for good caring about others and going above and beyond duty. She will be sadly, oh so sadly missed.
Remembered by: Rose
Thoughts and prayers to Ann Widdecombe's friends and family
Remembered by: Charlotte Taylor
So sorry to hear about the passing of Ann Widdecombe! may she rest in peace
Remembered by: Bill & Holly
So saddened to hear about her untimely death, Ann deserves to be remembered as she was, a lovely lady, really kind and gentle who never set out to hurt or harm anyone. Rest in peace Ann, I will always have fond memories of you. xx
Remembered by: Jan
May your God Bless you Ann, you stood for all that is great, in Great Britain. Onwards in your journey a truly remarkable person we all have lost.
Remembered by: Colin Millar
I did not know Ann personally, but I always had the utmost respect for her. Whenever she spoke, I stopped to listen. She was an incredibly intelligent woman with strong, grounded beliefs, but what truly set her apart was her commitment to real, open debate. She was always fearless, authentic, and straight-talking, willing to engage face-to-face with anyone regardless of their views. Crucially, she never put others down; she argued the points rather than launching personal attacks—embodying what true freedom of speech is all about. This is a terrible tragedy, my thoughts go out to her family. She will be missed. We needed more Ann’s in the world.
Remembered by: Sarah Andrews
Ann was a great lady! She deserves immense respect and appreciation for the woman she was and lives on in our hearts!
Remembered by: Neil K
My deepest condolences to Ann’s family and loved ones. Although I did not know Ann personally, I came to know her as the bright, vivacious, witty, and principled lady who so often made me laugh out loud on Jeremy Vine. I greatly admired the way she stood firm in her beliefs while always expressing them with respect, and showing equal respect for the opinions of others. Ann was clearly a remarkable woman who lived life fully and authentically. Her loss is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with you all at this very difficult and upsetting time. Hold on to the memory of Ann’s warmth, her spirit, and that unmistakable twinkle in her eyes. She will not be forgotten.
Remembered by: Rebekah Stent
Such an lovely honourable lady, well loved and passionate about everything. You will be missed.
Remembered by: Carolyn Lambert
A lovely and hardworking lady. She resolved a minor but distressing problem for my mum. RIP
Remembered by: Carol Walford
Rip ann
Remembered by: Jane orourke
You were one of the old school, someone who said it how it was. You will be missed in this world, which desperately needed people like you.
Remembered by: Linda Empson
Many years ago, I was in Maidstone hospital when Ann visited the wards on Christmas Day. She was so cheerful and interested in everyone, it was a huge boost from a lovely caring woman.
Remembered by: D Richards
I WILL GREATLY MISS DEAR ANN WIDDECOMBE WHO WAS A KIND,FUN, INTELLIGENT LADY. I PARTICULARLY LIKED SEEING HER ON JEREMY VINE SHOW WHEN HER TRUE PERSONALITY SHONE THROUGH. RIP ANN AND RISE IN GLORY.
Remembered by: MRS CAROL BLACK
Heartfelt condolences to all family and friends. Our political views were very different, but she was refreshingly frank and courageous in pursuit of her beliefs. May those who knew her find some solace in the outpourings of respect and admiration from such a wide cross-section of the political establishment and society as a whole.
Remembered by: Peter Brissenden
Rest in Peace beautiful Ann . You’ve always stayed strong throughout your career and you have been an inspiration to all us women . Thank you for all your hard work in trying to make all our lives better and this world a better place to live in 💔 Rest now x
Remembered by: Sue Jillings
A truly wonderful woman who I had the honour of meeting. We have been robbed of a great politician and a great woman. Her time as our local MP was so impactful on me as a young woman, a real strong role model.
Remembered by: G Baker
A lovely lady who will be greatly missed. Passionate, honest and determined. We could all learn so much from Ann. Rest in peace.
Remembered by: John and Christine Singleton.
Shocked and saddened. A great person, a force to be listened to and politician. She has left an empty space. Condolences to her family.
Remembered by: V.Harrison-Staffordshire
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