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.

“The Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour we can bestow and was awarded in recognition of her eminent service to Maidstone and her long and distinguished career representing the area in Parliament.” When receiving the Freedom of the Borough, Ann reflected on her time representing Maidstone, saying: “What has not changed is the warmth of people in Maidstone and the dedication of its public servants.”

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.

So shocked and saddened by this news What a horrible world we live in now We have to get to grips to become a tolerant society again RIP Anne

Remembered by: Jacqueline Christopher

God bless and protect you Ms Widdicombe

Remembered by: Ben

Thank you Ann for your wisdom, speaking the truth as you saw it with conviction and warmth and humour. We so enjoyed your debate on the Jeremy Vine Show and we will miss you, a massive loss to us all. Again thank you for sharing your knowledge and fair views on the world.

Remembered by: Mr. & Mrs. R.J. Newbold

Anne was brilliant, she just said it how it is which was fab.

Remembered by: Jemma

I was really sad to hear of your passing however on reflection of your life's work, while everyone may not have agreed with your viewpoints; it's clear that you were a bastain for free speech, and that's exactly what I believe people who didn't know you personally, will most likely remember you for, along with your apparent querky and friendly personality.RIP Ann. You were unfortunately another life that was taken too early, but at least you appeared to have lived the years you had fully.

Remembered by: Gareth Oyston

I hope the angels now look after you with gentleness and pray they also give strength to your family and friends too. Thank you for being a strong, vibrant woman who inspired others to have fun and strive into new adventures head on. RIP.

Remembered by: Anjali, Maidstone

Dear Ann ,I admired you for years ,straight talking honourable lady !so sad you passed away ,may you rest in peace

Remembered by: Maxine Barkway

Ann you were strong in your Christian beliefs and stood by your convictions no matter what. You never needed a script and spoke from your heart. We need more like you. Taken senslessly far too soon. Rest in peace with your parents and brother. May you always shine bright in our memories. Thank you

Remembered by: Margaret Greenwood

Such a terrible end for a fantastic woman. She was a great MP for Maidstone and her constituents. Took no nonsense and probably the best Prime Minister we never had! May she rest in peace.

Remembered by: D Sturge

You will be remembered by many people as a kind warrior for the truth.

Remembered by: Charlotte Batley

I am so very shocked and saddened by what has happened. Rest in peace Anne.Sending all my love to your family, your friends and of course your beloved cat Aloysius 🩷 x

Remembered by: Sarah Tilley

I was horrified at the news of Ann's death. It doesn’t seem real. It is a monstrous and cowardly thing to take a life violently, especially the life of a vulnerable elderly person. Ann was a true character. Her death is a tragedy.

Remembered by: Rachel

There will never be another politician like Ann. She was a truly beautiful soul who fought for what she believed in and somethings she didn't, she was always kind and polite to no matter what.

Remembered by: Jacqueline Coughlan

May your soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace

Remembered by: Lizzie Mack

A life well lived, a heart for others. May God keep you in his eternal care.

Remembered by: Susan Price

I am extremely shocked, saddened and angry that not only did Ann die but in such a barbaric manner.Ann may you rest in peace, your legacy and memories will live on. I pray justice will be done in your name x

Remembered by: Peter

Thank you Ann for all your years of service to the people. You were a great politician whos robust britishness I agreed with in full. Thank you for standing up for thebritish people, You will be greatly missed. RIP

Remembered by: Ryan King

Ann Widdecombe was a very special person in so many ways. She will be sadly missed by so many people for being an honest and true human being. I never met her but wish had. Rest in Peace Ann you will never be forgotten.

Remembered by: Vivien Amos.

The world is a sadder place without you Ann, I always admired your courage and conviction in standing up to what you believed in. I am a former Kent resident and my thoughts are with your family and friends at this very difficult time. Thank you for the fun times when you were in Strictly. You will be sorely missed x

Remembered by: Lynne Thomas

We spoke by telephone when I was a DCI with West Kent police. It was a very sensitive operational matter which you reacted to very professionally and gave us the required support. Thank you Ms Widdecombe. I was very sad hearing the news of your tragic death. RIP

Remembered by: David Gutsell

I still am in shock!Although our paths had never metAnd I didn't always agree with your politics You kept to your values without wavering!You have my deepest respect....I'll always remember you in the canary yellow frock as you amused us with your fun side on Strictly Come Dancing May you rest in peaceAnd dance in the stars 🌟

Remembered by: Denise Russ

Dear Anne, hard to believe you are gone. The world seems a sadder place after these horrible events. Your total commitment as MP was awe-inspiring. Your beliefs, fearlessly expressed, remind me of an England I used to know. A kinder, calmer place.

Remembered by: Alex

A formidable women who lived life on her terms. She was a strong MP for Maidstone and will be missed by those who knew her best. Very sad news around her passing and my condolences to her family and friends

Remembered by: Mandy Samrai

Reunited with your parents & brother Michael. Rest in eternal peace Anne. You deserve your well earned Crown. Condolences to your nephew & family. Thank you for your time & dedication to Reform.

Remembered by: Yvonne Simpson

Brave honest sincere lady,may you rest in peace Anne condolences to your family friends and the reform party.💔

Remembered by: Julie Ashley

I absolutely loved Anne Widdecombe! She spoke common sense, she had an amazing sense of humour. She was a fantastic member of parliament. She loved our country and cared about the people ! She believed in free speech.I was shocked and very sad to hear about her death . My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends and colleagues ! She will be truly missed . Sending love ❤️

Remembered by: Nicola Jeffery

So sorry that Ann was taken so cruelly. She worked hard, was brave and enjoyed life. Strictly will be a very happy memory of her dancing with Anton, a lovely partnership. Rest in peace lovely lady.

Remembered by: Carol from Newcastle

This was shocking news and so sad. I admired your true feeling, humour and honesty. We have lost a special person that gave so much. Condolences to your family and friends.

Remembered by: Maureen Pearce

You were an INCREDIBLE LADY.You spoke the TRUTH with great conviction, common sence and humility.In God's care. RIP ANN

Remembered by: Patricia Anne Jones

So sad. You stood up for Christian beliefs. What our country should be doing. Long live free speech. Rest in peace

Remembered by: Mrs G K MUGGRIDGE

I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the death of Ann Widdecombe. I didn’t know her but admired her for being forthright in her views.

Remembered by: Elizabeth Anderson

You were a strong and caring lady. Always had time to listen, helped many and a pleasure to talk to.Rest in Peace lovely lady X ❤️

Remembered by: Jackie Lloyd

Ann you were an incredible woman. Honest and true to your word. You will be missed. May you rest in peace.

Remembered by: Avril Vanstane

I would like to extend my condolences and warmest wishes to all Ann Widdecombe's family and friends at this sad time. Ann was an outstanding orator, a lady of incisive intelligence and an iconic politician who will be greatly missed.

Remembered by: Stephen Kenneth Horrocks

Ann you was an incredible woman and you will be sorely missed by everyone,

Remembered by: Barbara Knowles

Rest in peace Ann

Remembered by: Beverly Sullivan

Dearest Ann. I'm so sorry that you were so cruely taken from us. You were an asset to England, the country you loved so much. I hope you know how much you were needed and loved.

Remembered by: Nicky Hargreaves

Rest in Peace Ann, I am so very sorry that this is the manner in which your life was taken. May you fly with the Angels in peace.

Remembered by: Julie McNab

Ann, you left a legacy of common sense, intelligence and love for what you felt passionate about. Sending condolences and love to your friends and family. You will be missed

Remembered by: Kate Blunt

Well done Ann, life well lived, strong and principled politician and prepared to express views that were not always popular but which she could justify and listened to opposition. Great example to all who believe in democracy and for young women to emulate.

Remembered by: FK - Maidstone constituent

Ann you were a Great Lady who really spoke her mind, A lady who was admired. You Will not be forgotten. RIP

Remembered by: Wendy

RIP Ann . Thinking of all your family and friends . You were a lovely lady who didn’t deserve this .i always remember seeing you on TV . Also Strictly Come Dancing 🩷🩷 It a cruel world we live in. Love Ann and Rex Beach and Family . From North Wales xxxxxx

Remembered by: Ann Beach

One of your own. Give them what for in Heaven.You will be greatly missed and remembered in equal measures, God Bless You xx

Remembered by: Kim Middleton

Whether you agreed with her on many matters or not she defended the right to free speech. A privilege that those denigrating her and making nasty comments would do well to remember. Loved her journalism, her down to earth approach. No nonsense. Condolences to her family. They have lost a great lady. May she rest in peace.

Remembered by: Rachael Redhead, Melbourne, Australia

Sending heartfelt condolences to everyone mourning her loss. Even for those of us who didn’t know her personally, it’s clear she meant so much to so many. May she rest peacefully.

Remembered by: Lorraine

My Deepest condolences to your family and friends Dear Ann you will be remembered for your true witty words much love to you always RIP But gone way to soon and in a way that no one ever Deserves 💔

Remembered by: Sally Harris

Inspirational woman

Remembered by: Beryl dockerty

We esteemed and adored Ann here in America. Her eloquence was paramount to most other politicians. Brilliance and robust debate was her forte.

Remembered by: Thomas Suey

I am truly saddened by this. Ann Widecombe was my MP for many years & yes many people may of not liked her or her opinions but she spoke her mind they were what she felt passionately about & were true to her beliefs & many others alike. It doesn't matter if we agreed or disagreed with her, she did care a lot about a lot of issues & wanted to see them resolved. She was a remarkable, quick thinking & articulate Woman who wasn't afraid to speak her mind & say what she thought, don't we all have opinions that we would truly like to express but are too scared to say them for fear of being stamped on .Ann didn't deserve this horrific ending to her life. She truly wanted to see this country get back to how it used to be a country that cared about each other. I feel for her family & friends who knew her closely..& also her cat that has now sadly lost its owner. R I P Ann ,may you truly get justice for your untimely passing, & are reunited with your cats in your afterlife in heaven as you believed in so much x

Remembered by: Maria

now in the arms of the angels, R.I.P. Ann, a wonderful and courageous woman, may god bless you xx

Remembered by: June Phillips

RIP Anne I hope justice is served soon You were a very formidable lady but you made me laugh at times ❤️

Remembered by: Sharon Brown ….Ayr

Formidable, funny and always human. Rest in peace Ann. You are missed already.

Remembered by: Samantha Thompson

Hunni , you’re an amazing human and you’re a legend, you will live on in people’s hearts forever ❤️❤️❤️

Remembered by: Pamela Shelton

Rest in peace Ann.Taken away far too soon when you still had a lot to give.Your memory will live on in what you believed in.💔

Remembered by: Chapman

Rest in peace lovely lady you deserved better

Remembered by: Susan Kilpatrick

I never knew you and i didn't always agree with your policy ideas . But you did have a very funny sence of humour and you never backed down I respect that too. Rest in peace.

Remembered by: Julie Corby

I never met you ,i didn't always agree with your points of view but...i respected you and you had a brilliant sence of humour. No one should pass away the way you did .Rest in peace .

Remembered by: Julie Corby

Rest in peace Ann. A force to be reckoned with, passionate about your beliefs and values Such a tragic loss. lovely Lady God Bless you 🙏🙏🙏

Remembered by: Lorna Godfrey

In loving and respectful memory of the late Ann Widdecombe. You have been a wonderful role model to so many, especially girls and women throughout your life, we should all be so principled, with an excellent mind, caring, fun and stoic. May God bless you, and may you rest in peace and love, our thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones. Greatly loved and missed.

Remembered by: Sarah-Jane Walker

I admire you for being forthright and sticking to the beliefs that you held..That is living a true life. We won't see anyone like you again.RIP Ann.

Remembered by: Margaret Johnsto

God bless Ann for standing up for the Christian faith in politics. For standing brave against all adversity. May God guide her into His Kingdom.

Remembered by: Paul R

R.I.P. ANN.

Remembered by: Brian Norris

My deepest condolences to your family and friends.Thank you for being a wonderful MP for Maidstone and personally helping my Mum to get a wheelchair when she had been waiting months for one. Your kindness will never be forgotten.I hope you are resting in peace despite being taken too soon.

Remembered by: Penny Atkinson

We were utterly shocked to hear about Ann’s death, she is in our prayers and our thoughts are with her loved ones. Her energy and strength is still an inspiration.

Remembered by: S. Lowrie

A lady with a kind, honest heart, who tried to do good in this challenging world.Quite rare today.May you rest in peace.Me and my family respected you.

Remembered by: Nicola

What an incredible lady. Said how it was. R.I.P XX

Remembered by: Ali Lee

Such sad news, you will be sorely missed by many. Rip Ann

Remembered by: L. Wornham

Thank you for all you did for the people of Maidstone For always speaking out and protecting freedom of speech. For being a genuine politician who cared passionately about Britain. Truly upsetting to hear of your passing. May your legacy live on. 🙏

Remembered by: Dawn

Ann may you RIP lovely lady. You were a true Brit and will be missed. I cannot believe I will not hear your voice of wisdom again. You're in heaven now where you belong. The country is lost without you. God bless Ann darling, gone but never forgotten 💔

Remembered by: Beverley Whittaker

Our hearts go out to your family, you were always here for us when we had an issue… keep on dancing up there

Remembered by: Lesley & Andy

Thank you for all the pleasure you gave me on TV I love your straight talking, you will not be forgotten as many people loved you, a great loss to our country, which needs more people like you. May she rest in perfect peace

Remembered by: Barbara Shreeves

A sad end to an amazing woman. She was an inspiration. Rip bless you

Remembered by: David Brittain

A fair and kind mp , she was truly passionate, yet brought so much fun and joy to all , even those that never met her , rest in peace , i will always remember you laughing and dancing

Remembered by: Maureen

I have been following Ann for a couple of years, as a spokeperson for Reform. I had huge respect for this ballsy, courageous, dedicated and aspiring woman. This country has lost one of the greatest politicians since Thatcher.

Remembered by: Laura Ashworth

Ann your were a one off. Sprited, honest, kind and strong. I hope you are sorting out Heaven and if there is room for improvement up there, i am sure you on to it. Thank you for all you have done.

Remembered by: Jacqueline Beard

Godbless you Ann you was a wonderful soul rest in heaven

Remembered by: Alison Baldwin

So very sad that this happened to you Night Night God bless you sweetheart 🙏🥲💔xx

Remembered by: Janet Anchors

A great loss to this nation and a tragic reflection of the decline of the country. She represented a more honourable time. Rest in Peace.

Remembered by: Cmccarthy

Ann,You were, without question, fearlessness personified. Your character had the power to unite people from all sides.You will be missed, and never forgotten,Rest peacefully and fearlessly.Jake x

Remembered by: Jake O’Donovan

Dear ANNE you are one in a million, and millions of us will miss you, you were very witty and so funny, still can’t believe you are no longer here with us it’s a very sad day 😪💔😪

Remembered by: Sandra Farquhar

Martyr & sister in Christ I'm so sad for what as happened to you, God bless you 🙏✝️ xx

Remembered by: Kelly Dehaan

There are no words love to your family. What a tremendous woman and lady you were. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace x

Remembered by: MJW

First of all condolences to Ann’s family. Ann was tiny in stature but a giant in politics and had such devotion to her country. I loved Ann in Strictly absolutely brilliant and gave her all. RIP Ann

Remembered by: Gillian Norton

I’m deeply saddened the world has lost an absolute treasure Ms Widdecombe you were an incredible lady. I had the utmost admiration for you, You would have made the best prime minister to given the chance to, The world is a much darker place without you in it,Rest in eternal peace dear lady xx

Remembered by: Nick

Ann was one very kind lady, you will be sadly missed Rest in peace Ann 🙏🏽

Remembered by: Eileen Foster

A political figure who was honest straight talking and a real character. There aren’t many of them RIP Ann Widdecombe!

Remembered by: Keith Woollard

Sending my condolences to Ann's family. May you rest in peace lovely lady Ann

Remembered by: Carla

May you Rest in peace 🙏🏻 Xxx

Remembered by: SUE

An exceptional lady. The light of the world is a little dimmer now. Rest in eternal peace, beautiful soul.

Remembered by: Susan Stone

Ann will be missed here in Maidstone she did a lot for our town.

Remembered by: Margaret Boakes

So very saddened and horrified by Ann’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with Ann’s family and friends. What a formidable and amazing lady. RIP in eternity Ann. You will be dearly missed. Thank you for your service. Your work on earth is done. Stand easy.

Remembered by: Kim

God bless. you lovely lady gone but won't be forgotten.

Remembered by: Amanda Coombs

A lovely lady. Sadly missed.

Remembered by: Richard Thomas

You were a great Lady, a rare politician who said what meant and meant what you said. Thank you for your service and may God grant you eternal rest. Rest in peace.

Remembered by: Margaret Jackman

Condolences to Ann’s family . Its still so hard to accept this could happen to such a lady who was honest , kind & open in her opinions. No one deserves this . God Bless You Ann 🙏

Remembered by: Helen Cameron

RIP Ann she was a very caring ladys such a great loss

Remembered by: Vera Birks

Tragic news. Rest in peace

Remembered by: Mrs Shears

RIP a very sad end for a beautiful lady

Remembered by: Susan smith

Dear Anne what a wonderful, strong , intelligent,caring lady you were ! I’m gutted that you’ve left this planet when you had so much more to give and teach . I always looked forward to your times on Jeremy Vine show I never missed a show when you were on . I really feel like a part of my family has died . Thankyou for all the fantastic work you did and fun you showed . God bless you Anne RIP lovely lady x

Remembered by: Gill Everest

Ann will be sorely missed. Its a very sad and tragic thing to happen .

Remembered by: Margaret B

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