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.
Heartbroken. As a young woman, I have found Ann Widdecombe to be very inspiring. She is a strong, formidable lady who stood by her principles and performed her public duties with integrity and without prejudice. Beyond her time on Strictly, she was a star - Britain was brighter with her influence."Réquiem ætérnam dona ei, Dómine, et lux perpétua lúceat ei. Réquiescat in pace. Amen."
Remembered by: Cllr. Hana John
I always had respect for you standing up for your beliefs. You spoke for many people. R.I.P
Remembered by: Daphne Day
I am heartbroken that some one i admired so much is no longer with us. I was never a conservative or reform voter, only scotland and SNP for me. That does not mean i don't admire somone, who in comparison to other politicians could answer a direct question openly and honestly. Rest in peace Anne you were one of a kind.
Remembered by: Josephine Donnachie
R.I.P Ann you will be missed by many,,your life was full with people who lvd you ❤️ x
Remembered by: Jayne Allen
A wonderful honest and brave woman.So very sad to hear we have lost her.The world was a much better place with her in it.May she be looked after in heaven.❤️
Remembered by: Dee Brett
Maybe Ann is with her cats now, but Ann is certainly with her family now, as she would of wanted. Sadly missed but not forgotten. You have left many wonderful memories for people to remember you.Rest in heaven Ann.
Remembered by: Nicholas Wright
God bless you safe in his hands xxxx
Remembered by: Mary Meredith
So very sorry that your life ended in this horrible way, RIP Anne sleep peacefully. Xxx
Remembered by: Patricia Fuller
Safe in the arms of Jesus. Rest in peace dear lady.
Remembered by: Carol Clarke
Dear AnneThank you for all you did for Maidstone, your tireless work for the country and the entertainment you gave everyone when you starred on Strictly Come Dancing. They broke the mould when they made you and the world is a sadder place without you.Sleep tight reunited in the arms of your parents xx
Remembered by: Julia
May you RIP Anne I met you once in Sutton Valence, I hope you’re at peace now. God bless you 🕊️
Remembered by: Sarah Allen
God bless you rest in peace wonderful lady i loved to watch you with anton on strictly
Remembered by: Wendy brodmann
Anne you were an inspiration and pioneer. A true heroine, breaking through what were male dominated spaces, remaining dignified, steadfast and serving faithfully. Thank you for being a wonderful example to us.
Remembered by: Helen Turley
Rest peacefully
Remembered by: Glynis @ Kevin Collard
Rest in piece you amazing lady x
Remembered by: Lisa Jones
So so sad, to leave this world, yes she had her opions like we all do but such a cruel act RIP Ann xx
Remembered by: Tina
RIP Ann - you will be sadly missed. Loved watching you tell it how it is. We need more politicians like you but sadly the country is worse off without you
Remembered by: Linda Goldie
We will miss your wisdom,we will miss your humour ,we will miss your patriotism ,we will miss your light Ann, we will have a mass said for you ,thank you for loving your country thank you for loving our Lord God Bless and keep you in his care 🙏✝️
Remembered by: Margaret lynch
God bless fly high R.I.P
Remembered by: Antony leyland
Ann you were a funny and amazing lady. You'll be missed. God bless x
Remembered by: Julie
Ann ❤️ i didnt know you in person but i wish i did, an amazing lady who deserved so much more. My heart is with your family and friends, always 🤍
Remembered by: Lottie Lou
It’s truly awful. RIP Ann and my sincere condolence to your family x
Remembered by: Sandra
RIP Anne I love watching Anne on the tv I love how she always tell the truth straight to the point That is what i loved about 💖 her ❤ Thinking off her family and friend's at this sad time Hugs to all xx
Remembered by: Trish Stevenson
I remember Anne campaigning one year for re-election, she was clinging on for dear life on the back of a pickup truck all 5ft of her, she then went down to see the commuters at Maidstone East St and spoke to anyone about anything, she had strong views but held with conviction but would help anyone and was a brilliant MP, rest easy Anne and thank you for all your service over many years.
Remembered by: Gareth Kendall
The country has lost a true legend ..our thoughts will always be with you ..may you rest in eternal peace.. you were one in a million and you didnt deserve a bitter end xx
Remembered by: Wendy
Rest in peace Ann, You were a wonderful lady a lady to look up too. Sleep well your legacy will live on God bless 💔💔
Remembered by: Debbie Tucker
You lived your life to the full never wavering on your beliefs and spoke so much sense. A voice of hope and strength. As a Christian I know you are now in heaven. RIP I hope to meet you one day. 🙏
Remembered by: Wendy sawkins
Such a lovely outspoken lady which i admired. A one of a kind. RIP Ann.
Remembered by: Heather Gillespie
Helped so many people, she will be sadly missed, condolences to her family. R.I.P Anne
Remembered by: Christine
I've never been so upset to hear of the death of someone I'd never met.It shows what a wonderful human being you were. May you now rest in eternal peace.
Remembered by: Susan Bolton
My thoughts are with her family and friends.
Remembered by: Aaron
What an amazing, strong character you were Ann. Open, honest and to the point...you and your qualities will be greatly missed 💖
Remembered by: Diane
Rest in peace Anne .You will be missed so much
Remembered by: Julie
A bright and memorable woman. Always able to converse about anything. Held our attention.You deserved to live your full life . I hope you didn’t suffer too much. RIP Ann.
Remembered by: Patricia Coulson
Rest in peace such a sad loss
Remembered by: David H
Ann Widdecombe was my Member of Parliament. I was not exactly a fan of hers (being a leftie). But she - and Sir Roger Gale - did support a ban on hunting wild mammals with dogs. If only for that reason, I will be forever grateful.My father was a local businessman. She attended one of his breakfast meetings. She said something incorrect and my father corrected her as the other businessmen stared down nervously at their breakfast cereals!
Remembered by: Mark Quested
May you rest in peace which you so deserve
Remembered by: Ian Hoskin
A real honest, direct lady who served her country with great dignity. Clear in her principles and someone you would respect. Seemed a very kind and caring lady with a twinkle in her eye, who loved a bit of fun. She had her perfect oasis at Widdecombe's Res. I would love to have met you Ann. RIP
Remembered by: Gordon McKenzie
RIP Ann …I will miss your honesty ..I might not have agreed with you all the time but you were true to yourself and for that reason I admired you so much.
Remembered by: Terri Stevenson
I'm so very sad to hear this terrible news. I'll always remember your strength and your passion for standing up for what you believed in, and your kindness towards animals and your support of rescue centres. I did not support your party but would have voted to have you as our Prime Minister if you'd decided to stand. You were one of a kind, and are so sadly missed already.
Remembered by: Linda Weeks
Outspoken & honest. Bless you 🙏 Rest in peace Ann x
Remembered by: LaineyK
Honest woman who stood by views. May she Rest. In Peace
Remembered by: Maxine Jeavons
R I P Anne, you did not deserve to die in such an horrendous way, you will be missed
Remembered by: Carol Kent
I laughed along with performances on strictly come dancing, loving her, loving it and respected her integrity as a politician.My condolences to her family and friends. I hope her village community are brought closer together and find solace in one another. Sending my best to everyone around this devastating situation.
Remembered by: Deborah Simpson
Rest in peace Anne you will be sorely missed Amazing woman who was taken too soon.🙏❤️❤️
Remembered by: Craig Robertson
May you rest on eternal peace.The world is a sadder place without you. X
Remembered by: Brenda Kingwell
Ann, thank you for always being genuine and standing up for your beliefs. Although I didn’t always agree, I admired you greatly for having the courage of your convictions. I am deeply sad about what has happened. Ann, you are in my thoughts and prayers, as are your family, friends, and everyone who knew you.It is a comfort to know that you are now safe in the arms of Jesus. God bless.
Remembered by: Nessa
Sleep well Ann , you will never be forgotten 🙏🙏
Remembered by: Mrs B Ewing
I’m in total shock, nobody deserves to die this way. May you rest in eternal peace Ann, condolences to all your friends and family.🙏💐🙏💐
Remembered by: Annette Arnold
We all loved your forthright honesty and views. A champion of free speech who will be very, very sadly missed.
Remembered by: STMe
She spoke her mind which not everyone agreed,but i admire her life values,so honest and open.Rest in peace lovely lady.Thoughts are with your loved ones x
Remembered by: Lorraine
You will be missed, so sad this has happened. RIP lovely lady. X x
Remembered by: Lesley Christy
Your TV programme Anne Widdecombe Versus is really interesting and that’s how I know you better and seen your journey with MP. Never forgotten and you are loved. ❤️
Remembered by: Robert Hob
Rip God bless you 🙏 Thanks for your service and care
Remembered by: Teresa Hymas
So sad for our country to have lost such a true British patriot. Thankyou Ann for being a politician who could be trusted. A very genuine lady who will be so missed.
Remembered by: SAM
Absolutley heartbroken that a lovely ladies life and character was so brutally endend after giving so much to her passionate political British beliefs.. A fabulous lady who will never be forgotten ..rest in peace Anne💖
Remembered by: Shirley Lyle
Thoughts and prayers for your family, i never met you but wished you had been our MP for longer. R.I.P Ann.
Remembered by: S.A J.
So tragic. Ann loved her life and her home and expected to live a long and happy retirement. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
Remembered by: Diane V. Cookson
Its a sad world we live in. Rest in Peace Ann ❤️
Remembered by: Dawn.
I am so sorry this has happened. A true to word lady who stood by her beliefs. Always had the greater good in mind and a fabulous ambassador for Maidstone. Rest easy your work is done here. Fly high
Remembered by: Kay O'Connell
The best MP Maidstone has ever had. RIP Anne Widdecombe
Remembered by: Sheila Ryan
You were a very wonderful, straight speaking woman. I’m so upset for you and your family and friends. I hope God was with you to comfort you at the end. God bless you Ann. 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️
Remembered by: Jacqueline Hall
Rest in peace AnnYou were a great ladyWith excellent values,I will never forget youXxxx
Remembered by: Joan sharpe
RIP Anne. You were such an inspirational woman who stood up for what you believed in. You also did not take yourself too seriously which was great to see. Sending lots of love you your family at this difficult time.
Remembered by: The Hill family
I always admired Anne’s direct approach and challenging issues head on. Without conflict there can be no change but to do so with such elegance and integrity is a rare thing indeed. God bless Anne.
Remembered by: Simon H
We are heartbroken. What a sincere and genuine person you were. You will be missed by so many. RIP Ann
Remembered by: Drew & Ian
Going to miss you so much Ann. You were honest, forthright, funny, i believed and agreed with all you said. The world is a sadder place without you xx
Remembered by: Helen
Although I never had the privilege of knowing you personally, I always admired your courage to stand by your convictions, regardless of whether they were popular. Rest in peace, Ann. My sincere condolences to your family and friends.
Remembered by: Nicki Dye
Thank you lovely lady , u were an inspiration , fun,caring ,loved ur country ,a true proud patriot.Fly high Ann your duty is done 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧Thank you
Remembered by: Carol King
God bless Ann, you were formidable, fly high. Xx
Remembered by: Lorraine Bassett
God bless and take care of you. Sleep with the angels.
Remembered by: Mary O’Brien
You were in my view a true peoples politician, believing what you did for the people and not the elite, May you rest in peace, Condolances and heart felt wishes you a peaceful end,
Remembered by: Philip Clayton-Smith
Rest in peace brave Lady .GOD BLESS
Remembered by: Anna Whellans
Ann, I met you once and remember the bright light and twinkle in your eyes. It is our great loss that it is now dimmed. I hope you can see and feel the swell of affection there has been for you since the sad news of your passing. Rest in peace with the angels.
Remembered by: Shelagh Funnell
You were a character who also made us laugh.
Remembered by: Janice
Thank for your Straight talking and commitment. Sadly, rare qualities in modern MPs. Now Rest in Peace xxx. 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Remembered by: DAVID SHEPHERD
Only a matter of days ago I had the pleasure of mutual agreement with Ann.She was such a principled and genuine individual. Kent will mourn her passing, as well millions elsewhere. RIP Ann, you were a political icon. ❤️
Remembered by: Martin Braithwaite
So sorry to hear of the passing of Ann. At 78, she should still have had a few more years. Rest in peace Ann. Garry Wilson.
Remembered by: Garry Wilson
i remember you in strictly come dancing my favourite rip my dear love to your friend and family
Remembered by: Mi
Anne spoke the truth.
Remembered by: C. Roberts.
The world has lost a great woman. May you now be free from any pain. You will be missed. God bless your family and friends
Remembered by: Linda Appleby
Eccentric,Funny ..You stood up for what you believed in, You will always be missed.
Remembered by: Alexandra Warren
Prayers are for Anne Widdecombe and her family at this sad sad time .This has shocked a nation ❤️
Remembered by: Beverley Watkins
In memory of a strongly opinionated forth right lady with a great amount of common sense and public service. My thoughts are with you and your family at this incredibly sad time.
Remembered by: Lloyd
A lovely lady people just don't like straight talking that's what i liked about her . RIP ann you will be missed
Remembered by: carson
I never knew you Ann, but you were so inspiring for your free, honest opinions. I loved you for that. A matriarch of impowerment. No shilly shally, you were straight to the truth in your beliefs, and you should be totally commended for that. Rest in peace Ann ❤️
Remembered by: Gill Pitchford
Amazing lady .I will miss your wit and incredible talks . Taken too soon RIP dear Ann .
Remembered by: Marilyn
RIP Anne one of life’s honest folk you didn’t deserve this 💔
Remembered by: Aileen
A woman of courage, conviction and principle.Rest in peace lovely lady.
Remembered by: Joy Hindle
You were a politician that are respected for sticking to your values, even if I didn't agree with them. It was direct approach that encouraged me to study politics. RIP Ann
Remembered by: Ali Warner
A Christian lady, with very deeply held values on right and wrong. You did not deserve your ending but God will bless you and protect you now you are in his Loving care. RIP lovely Lady.🌹🌹
Remembered by: carol walters.
I remember your hilarious farewell to Maidstone from the back of an open back truck! Such a lovely lady, funny but always dedicated. The world will be a sadder place without you in it.
Remembered by: Jane Smyth
With the angels now, Ann. My heart aches and my tears flow for you.
Remembered by: Hilly Buckman
RIP Anne you were an amazing woman may you rest forever in eternal peace 🙏🙏🙏💙💙💙💙
Remembered by: Karen Fox
A tragic loss of a lovely lady. May she rest peacefully in gods garden 🙏
Remembered by: Heather Read
An unbelievably cruel end to a life filled with honesty and commitment. Ann Widdecombe was the best Prime Minister we never had.
Remembered by: Judy Taber
Rest in peace Ann. You were formidable and warm and you were dedicated to whatever you did as well as being game for a laugh. I shall miss you on Jeremy Vine and will always smile when I think of you on Strictly. God bless x x x
Remembered by: Hayley
So very sad. A horrible end to a wonderful life spent working on behalf of others. 🥰
Remembered by: Val Ferguson
RIP Ann - thinking of Ann's family 💕such a very sad loss for our country - Ann was very well thought of by many 💞
Remembered by: Lynne Ormonde
So sorry to the family of Anne, our loss but heaven’s gain 😢
Remembered by: Doris Boyd from Londonderry,
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