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.
We knew her as a wonderful Christian and she upheld the values of God in her walk. A sound member on the Kent County Council. With Christ and safe there
Remembered by: Ruth and John Hurford
You have been so amazing Ann in your wonderful way with words, your knowledge and wisdom always shone through all your speeches. We really loved you and your quirky, funny moments. The World is such a poorer place without you and you will be remembered with affection for ever. Rest in peace dear Ann and thank you for being you.
Remembered by: Marsha Spanswick
Ann to me you’ll be the most straight talking woman I’ve ever known. I used to love watching you. You’re so intelligent you’re so wise and you will be suddenly missed.xx
Remembered by: Donnett chambers
Ann was a lovely down to earth person I would like to offer my sincere Condolence to Ann's Family Friends Colleagues past present may Ann Rest In Peace.
Remembered by: Maria Heavey.
Dear Ann, rest in peace and rise in glory. My condolences to the family and friends of a truly amazing lady.
Remembered by: Patricia O'Mahony
So sad to hear of this terrible news. Ann loved her animals, as do I. Rest in peace 🙏
Remembered by: Mary
Only a few years older than me ,so have always see you grow in politics ,so sad this has happened RIP ❤️
Remembered by: Marie Burns
To a wonderful lady who spoke her mind, lived her life her way, and was never afraid to try anything.
Remembered by: Jennifer Dawson
Ann was that rare being - an honest MP - the world is poorer without her - we need more like Ann. In my 30 in Maidstone, she was the ONLY MP to canvass and debate - Ann was sincere - cared about others, and did everything to the best of her ability. RIP
Remembered by: Pamela Obrien
RIP anne you will be so missed, fly high with the angels
Remembered by: Val Woodmore
God bless Ann, such a wonderful strong woman may you R.I.P
Remembered by: Jayne P
I live in Australia and only knew you through YouTube videos and podcasts. I admired your gumption. Rest in Peace.
Remembered by: W Alexander
Such a wonderful lady.so sad.will miss your straight forwardness and your strength.condolences to your family . May you rest easy in the arms of your lord .love and heartfelt wishes.
Remembered by: Donna
Rest in Peace lovely lady, what a warrior you were and you left this earth way too soon. God Bless ❤️
Remembered by: Christine
Always loved when Ann was on Jeremy Vine on channel 5. Almost always agreed with Ann and always debated with respect. Shocking circumstances and hopefully justice is served.
Remembered by: Ryan Anderson
Anne i met you once when you did ? Time in Hastings . You were informed, intelligent and a pleasure to hear speak .your views i understood as well magic.
Remembered by: Big bird
A lovely friendly lady. Met her once. She visited a resident in the care home i worked at. She went around the home speaking to all of residents.
Remembered by: Janet Roberts
Very strong woman youll be very sadly miss by friends and people who care and condolences to you're fam3
Remembered by: Jacqueline leith
Amazing lady, Christmas time would be seen at Maidstone nick, supporting the police
Remembered by: Carol
So sad you have go out of our life's you was a wonderful lady you will be miss by so may people but you will never be forgotten Ann may you rest in peace 🙏 xxxxxx
Remembered by: Gwen sprigg
God bless. Thank you for your service and entertainment . A woman of substance
Remembered by: TPP
RIP Ann, pity all people aren't as patriotic and kind as you were, the words not a better place without you. We have lost you before your time.
Remembered by: Kevin Smith
I'm overwhelmed with sadness at the tragic loss of Ann. I admired her unvarnished honesty, her gift as an orator, her wonderful sense of fun and quick humour. A great loss. I just hope Ann realised how much she was respected and admired. Rest in peace Ann.
Remembered by: Julie
Rest in eternal peace. You were an inspiration to many, honest and spoke from the heart. You will be greatly missed.
Remembered by: Sandra Hatton
You knew I didn’t vote for you or agree with some of your views. That didn’t stop you helping me and my family in a time of trouble. You were a true trooper and great M P . I will remember you with great fondness and appreciation. Thank you and RIP
Remembered by: Jean Feenan
With deepest condolences to Ann's family, and love and prayers at this incredibly tragic time.Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
Remembered by: Elizabeth Millbrook
From reading the beautiful messages on this page, it is clear how loved and valued Ann was, something I wish she had been aware of during her life. This tragic event has shaken the country and I believe has made many people re-evaluate what on earth is going on. So many things need to change. But, justice will be served and love will prevail. Rest peacefully Ann. Regardless of whether we agreed with your opinions, there is no doubt you were a strong and wonderful woman, whose legacy will live on.
Remembered by: Jenny
Sleep well ann, rave beautiful lady may god hold you close, you are sadly missed
Remembered by: Anne gregory
It was a pleasure and privilege to meet you many years ago . A truly principled , loyal and brave lady with a great sense of fun . May you rest in peace ; thank you for your service .
Remembered by: Ann
RIP Ann .Thankyou for all your service to our country and Maidstone .My deepest condolences to all your family .You will be greatly missed by all.
Remembered by: Jude H
RIP Ann, you worked hard and weren't afraid on giving the facts
Remembered by: Mrs Shaw
I am saddened to hear about Ann’s death. She was a very outspoken person also very Godly. There are not many left like her. RIP Ann. 🕊️🕊️🕊️🌹
Remembered by: Paulette
I’m so very sad to hear of Ann’s passing she was such a wonderful kind lady . Sending my sincere condolences to all her family & friends. ❤️
Remembered by: Tina Griffiths
Dear AnneI never knew you but i was saddened to hear how you lost your life, May you R.I.E.P Much love Sue and the babies xx meow xx
Remembered by: Susan Platt
Dear AnnYou visited my school in Cranbrook, Kent around the time I did my GCSEs and you talked to us about life, the world and building a future after school. We had all selected a book relevant to our future studies or interests for you to present to us; it felt a bit like a graduation, marking the end of one part of our lives and stepping into the next. I remember shaking your hand and taking my book from you. In that moment I wondered who I would become, what the world would make of me and visa versa.The person I have grown into has a great deal of respect for you; the hard work, dedication, honesty and integrity you gave to us all is something I am truely thankful for and in admiration of. I like to think I am a bit like you and that if we were to meet now, that you may see a little of yourself in me. I am dedicated and hardworking, I watch the world and learn all the time.Seeing you operate the way you do, helps me to understand myself and the way I choose to live; there are not many people who understand me, but i think you would do. Thank you for your dedication and service, dearest Ann
Remembered by: Beccy Porter
So butally taken from this eartb, a lady who spoke her mind and went onto dance on Strictly. Gone but never ever forgotten 💔❤️💜💗
Remembered by: Miss Heather D Reed
such a lovely lady, full of humour and spirit. You will be missed. Condolences to her family.RIP
Remembered by: Elizabeth Brotherwood
RIP Ann god bless you and your family and friends 🙏 ❤
Remembered by: Steve Haigh
I never new Ann but I always liked her because of the warmth and steadfastness I always felt from her also her very witty humor. she will be sadly missed by Country and me.
Remembered by: Tina Laxton
Rest in peace Ann ❣️
Remembered by: Helen Sedgwick
Rest in peace Ann.
Remembered by: Chris
May you mischievously rest in peace brave lady. Much love and respect.
Remembered by: Linda
Rip Ann no one should go th igh what happen to you , my thoughts are with your family x so sad does not seem real 😔
Remembered by: julie Bye
RIP Ann You were a truly inspirational woman,my thoughts are with your family and friends
Remembered by: Alison
Rest in peace dear lady
Remembered by: Dave
Amazing committed honoured principled Lady whom I've always held in the highest of respect.
Remembered by: Philip Clarkson
Rest In Peace Miss Widdecombe. A strong women who will be remembered by voicing what she believed in.
Remembered by: Christine
Dear Anne rest in peace with God and the Angels . 💔🌹🌹🌹🙏🙏🙏🙏
Remembered by: Miriam Bund Watterson
Inspiring, clever, courageous, true. Thank you
Remembered by: Gavin F L Palmer
RIP ANN
Remembered by: B carman
They simply broke the mould after this amazing woman was born. A person of integrity & conviction, rare qualities these days. I had the pleasure of meeting her on a cruise when she delivered 3 extremely interesting talks.
Remembered by: Hilary D'Ettorre
Ann, we will all miss you, you were one special lady. May you rest in peace 💔
Remembered by: Sue Sweeney
Dear Ann. I have always respected your honesty and you were such a fantastic speaker. You always stuck to your principles. I am so shocked at what happened to you. You did not deserve to die under such horrific circumstances. RIP We need more people like you. Condolences to Ann’s family and friends. ❤️🙏❤️
Remembered by: Pamela O’Donnell
You were a truly amazing lady, who helped so many. May you now rest in peace. God bless xx
Remembered by: Jan & Glen Twamley
Rest in eternal peace Ann wish the world had more strong people standing up for the truth MAY God hold your hand and guide you to your resting place 🙏
Remembered by: Graham & lesley POPAY
May you rest in peace, have said prayers for your soul to be laid to rest. God bless you.
Remembered by: Suzanne Gowan
RIP lovely Lady x
Remembered by: Chris Gadsden
Such a caring, courageous, wonderful lady.
Remembered by: Anne Furlong
Dear Ann I saw you on TV and I wanted to listen to what you had to say every time you appeared. Blessed Is the One Who Finds Wisdom and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silverand her profit better than "gold”She is more precious than *jewels. and nothing you desire can compare with her.Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honour.Her 'ways are ways of pleasantness,and all her paths are peace.She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;those who hold her fast are called blessed. Gone but never forgotten. RIP forever
Remembered by: ST
RIP Anne you will be truly missed a loving lady with many more years to enjoy sadly taken to early by someone ,xx
Remembered by: James Collins
I used to get compared to Ann Widdecombe in looks, language, forcefulness and mannerism. I even met her and spoke to her when I worked for a London PR company. She came across as a lovely, kind and compassionate lady. She will be sorely missed.
Remembered by: Helen Govier
My thoughts and prayers are with Ann family and friends at this sad time R.I.P..Ann always loved never forgotten 💔 🙏 😢 farewell to a beautiful lady 😢
Remembered by: Linda Mitchell
You were a true lady. Strong, formidable and clever. I loved watching you on Jeremy Vine,Strictly and Big Brother and anything else I watched with you on it. I’m appalled and saddened by your death and still find it hard to believe it. Thank you for your service as a politician. A brilliant one. Rest in peace dearest Ann. xx🐈🐈
Remembered by: Hilary Craik
I was so saddened to hear this news. Devastating for the family. She will be remembered for all the good works she has always done. Being honest to herself & the Public.She will be missed .God Bless you on your new adventure
Remembered by: Hilary Pilkington
Thank you for all you did for my family so horrified and shocked for your families loss
Remembered by: Julie and family
R.I.P Ann you'll be forever missed 🙏
Remembered by: Kirsten Clark
Sending love and prayers to a lovely lady
Remembered by: Jodie
Rest In Peace Ann. You will be missed
Remembered by: Jackie
You were an inspiration to people in how to be truthful and stand by your convictions. You will be sorely missed. Thank you for all you did and achieved. May you rest in peace.
Remembered by: Christine Winn
R.I.P Lovely Lady gone to soon xx
Remembered by: Jackie sheehy
Sincere condolences to your family and friends Ann. You are a tremendous loss to our country. A great lady. We will never see your like again! Rest in Peace.xx💔😢🙏🌹
Remembered by: Jean Morgan
Im so very sorry that this had to happen to you. You were a formidable woman and one of a kind. There will never be another like you...
Remembered by: Tasha
One of a kind, a brilliant lady with a big heart, rest in peace.
Remembered by: Karl
RIP to a wonderful caring and charitable lady whom I had the pleasure of meeting at the Psychiatric Hospital when she visited the patients at Christmas time bringing in chocolates and gifts for them plus giving them time to listen to their stories and concerns.What a wonderful, caring person she was and what a tragic and terrible end to her blessed life. May you rest in peace eternally seated at the right hand of the lord.
Remembered by: James Godfrey
We and our family are shocked and saddened by the passing of Anne Widdecombe, particularly in such a brutal way. She was fearless, and brave and will be sadly missed by her family, colleagues and friends. Rest in Peace, Anne, and may angels take thee to thy rest.
Remembered by: Patricia Breakwell
RIP Ann
Remembered by: Allen Sives
Thank you for all that you did for Maidstone.You deserved to pass away peacefully.
Remembered by: Mrs Valerie Heaver
Rest in peace, you are now safe in the arms of God.
Remembered by: Wendy Daws
So sad to hear of her untimely, awful death. She was an honest MP who gave direct answers to any questions asked of her. This in itself made her a cut above many of her colleagues
Remembered by: Christine Woodhams
I am deeply saddened by what has happened to Ann Widdicombe. She spoke her mind and was the voice of reason. A truly lovely lady and great character. This country is a much poorer place without her.
Remembered by: Dawn Payne
I am devastated about the loss of Ann Widdecombe. I admired her as a woman for her strength, courage, commitment to her Christian faith and being a hero for animal welfare. She was one of the last conviction politicians.I had the privilege to see her in person speaking at the Cambridge Union around 20 years ago when I was a student. I also enjoyed watching her in Strictly, Celebrity Big Brother and regular political panels on TV. She was so engaging, energetic and captivating to watch.I went to a Catholic mass for Ann on Friday and prayed for her soul to reach heaven. I will never forget Ann. She has inspired me in so many ways as a Catholic woman myself. Ann will always be in my prayers. My condolences to her family and friends. God bless you, Ann.Louise Denman xx
Remembered by: Louise Denman
We were saddened to hear of your passing. A truly lovely lady who did so much for others. R.I.P. Ann
Remembered by: Toni and David
To a very special lady may you R.I.P you were a very person who I met in Maidstone and talked honestly to me about what was happening in and around Maidstone.You will always be remembered fondly and will be sadly missed.Good night sleep tight xx
Remembered by: Alison & Trevor Smith.
Rest in peace Ann , you were an incredible woman who stood up for the rights of ordinary people of this Country God bless and protect you in heaven Amen 🙏
Remembered by: Helen Kelly
I had the pleasure of meeting Ann at a leavers event at my son's school years ago. She was a lovely lady who gave a wonderful talk with good advice to the school leavers.She mingled with the pupils, staff and parents. She was a very interesting lady with a wicked sense of humour. I was very upset to hear of her death and the circumstances. My condolences to her family, close friends. May she rest in peace. God Bless her Soul
Remembered by: Christine Bel
Rip ann what a lovely and honest person you was you will be missed greatly condolences to all anns family what a horrific way to go there will be a special seat for you up in heaven god bless you
Remembered by: Josie kell
Ann was an exceptional MP and a lovely lady. I was fortunate to meet her twice and on both occasions found her inspirational, loyal, had a great sense of humour and was so friendly. She was an excellent speaker and certainly captured the audience. I can't stop thinking about the horrific death that she endured. My heart goes out to her family and friends at this very traumatic time.
Remembered by: Sonia Williams
Our thoughts are with you, May you Rest In Peace Eternally. God Bless You.Coates Family
Remembered by: James Coates
A very tragic loss she will be so missed
Remembered by: Elaine Downes
Rest in peace Ann.You were a true inspiration to so many.
Remembered by: Karen Thorne
RIP dear Ann . You were one in a million. I loved everything you stood for . I truly hope you get justice and things aren't swept under the carpet. If anyone deserves it, it is you Ann . God bless 🙏🙏🙏
Remembered by: Haire
God bless you Ann. I have never been so devastated over the death of a famous person as I am over yours. You were truly the most intelligent, true and lovely person. RIP
Remembered by: Diane Rockliffe
Anne was a true lady, her honesty & compassion are rare qualities. She spoke her mind, spoke the truth & had the proof to back it up. I never met or knew her personally but always enjoyed her debates & listening to her. She deserved a dignified retirement not a cruel death. May justice be done
Remembered by: Susan Hague
I never met you Ann, but I felt I new you, I loved to listern to you, I found your smile, your speaches very interesting, forth right and heart felt, your faith to help people was so conmendable, then your fun side, we adored to see this side, your strictly with Anton, is one we will never forget. Your times on tv on chat progammes are wonderful, I will miss seeing you there and listerning too. My heartfelt love to you, your family and friends. RIP Ann. Thank you xx
Remembered by: Angela Tugwell.
So sad that a remarkable lady was taken in this way.. may you RIP.
Remembered by: Jackie Hadaway
What a woman?! As a retired Nurse I still have the House of Commons magnet she gave me, one Christmas Day, on my fridge 😊. (As many locals know she spent the duration of her Christmas days visiting our General and Psychiatric hospitals; making sure she saw every member of staff and every patient). RIP Ann
Remembered by: Diane Tompsett
Loved her. She was smart, steadfast, articulate and dignified. She was also incredibly funny without realising it. Always liked, admired and respected her. A very special and unique lady. I'm truly horrified at the circumstances surrounding her passing. The likes of this lady will never come our way again. May she now RIP. God bless her. Xx
Remembered by: Mandy Langford
Thank you,Ann, for your common sense and humour. With much love and RIP.
Remembered by: Jayne Murphy
So sad for ur loss Ann u were a wonderful lady called a spade a spade that’s how I am too God bless u and your family RIP BEAUTIFUL LADY XX😘💜😇🌹
Remembered by: Janice iheakor
A lovely lady inside and out
Remembered by: Mrs Barbara Church
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