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.
RIP Ann ❤️❤️
Remembered by: Karen Duncan
Deepest and sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ann, such an awful thing to have happened, I am so shocked to have heard about this, may you rest in peace, God bless you and keep you in his arms..
Remembered by: Gillian Griffin
A true warrior who didnt care what she said and to whom, but a lovely caring and kind lady x taken to soon x RIP x
Remembered by: Sal
This lady stood by her beliefs was loyal to this country and more politicians should strive to be like her to have honesty loyalty and compassion to say what needed to be said who spoke for many of us and fought for freedom of speech sadly she lost her right to be heard but we can carry her legacy on and finish the work she started, rip Anne you truly deserved better “you are now present with the lord “ for you have served the lord faithfully and the lord will judge you upon that kindly hopefully one day we meet when my time ends god bless you Ann
Remembered by: Kerryanne
May flights of Angels send thee to your rest
Remembered by: Diane Park
Rest in peace Ann. I so admired the way you were outspoken and not afraid to speak your mind, without being rude. You were so funny when you were a speaker on our cruise ship many years ago. Loved your courage on strictly, not afraid to be laughed at/with.One of a kind! Condolences to your family and friends. God bless and keep you.
Remembered by: Jackie Sollis
An inspiration. RIP Ann
Remembered by: Andrea Thorpe
Always loved your feisty personality and amazing memory in speech makings fun loving lady who could laugh at herself too You will be so sadly missed Sleep well rest in peace dear lady xxx
Remembered by: Joanne Gray
Ann You were a passionate woman with conviction also you were so funny thanks for your service to the uk❤may you rip lots of love victoria xxx
Remembered by: Victoria Doggett
She was great lady and an outstanding roll model for young women and how they can succeed in life.
Remembered by: Celia Shute
You worked tirelessly fighting for justice with compassion and kindness, you were fearless and honest rest in heavenly peace x
Remembered by: Angela Hueston
This doesnt even seem real feels like a dream.Loved watching you on Jeremy vine, gonna miss you on there so much R.I.P lovely lady now rest easy 💔.
Remembered by: Mandy Tappenden
God bless you Anne, Such a tragic situation and my heart is so heavy with the sorrow, i hope you are resting inyour lords arms .
Remembered by: Heather Hartless
Rest in Peace, Ann. A true patriot and political titan who was never afraid to say it as it was.
Remembered by: David Elsden
You were a formidable, caring, intelligent woman. Able to communicate on every level. A stoic Lover of God . May you Rest in peace dearest Anne, you will be greatly missed .
Remembered by: Susan Fiddes
I loved her, she spoke from her christian beliefs , she fought for the ordinary public and that’s why we loved her !💞
Remembered by: Chris sim
RIP Ann, in our thoughts x
Remembered by: Jan
You can shed tears that she is goneOr you can smile because she has livedYou can close your eyes and pray that she will come backOr you can open your eyes and see all that she has leftYour heart can be empty because you can’t see herOr you can be full of the love that you sharedYou can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterdayOr you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterdayYou can remember her and only that she is goneOr you can cherish her memory and let it live onYou can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your backOr you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
Remembered by: Mel Brooker-Birc
Thank Ann for your service, your ability to stay true to your beliefs and your faith, but at the same time speaking your mind plainly and clearly.You will be missed and I loved your performances on Strictly. What a sad end to a lovely lady.
Remembered by: Dotty Davi
Such a huge loss to politics. Very sad to hear about this. Your memory will love on and we will remember.
Remembered by: J Coope
I met Anne around 1986/87 when she was the housing minister for MBC. I was a new filing clerk in the housing department & was 17. I use to make her tea when she came in for her meetings. She scared me a bit but over the years I’ve grown to like her very much. Her bark was definitely worse than her bite. I’m so very sorry for her family & friends. RIP Anne ❤️
Remembered by: Rachel E
So shocked and saddened by your death. You were a wonderful person, forthright, but warm and caring.I remember chatting to you when you came into a store I worked in, so friendly and down to earth. May you rest in peace, and rise in glory.
Remembered by: Linda G
A remarkable woman - our MP for 23 years and she did so much for our town - may she rest in eternal peace 😥
Remembered by: Katie Boots
Dearest Ann, thank you for your honesty, your lust for life and your dedication. What a strong lady, wish you could still be here for longer. Sending many condolences to your family, friebds and your dear cats ❤️ Rest in peace 🙏xx
Remembered by: Claire
Ann You were a Lovely Lady who stood by Your believes and rightly so. Bless Your heart. Sending my condolences to Your family and friends. RIP x
Remembered by: Stella Gray
Ann you will be sorely missed for just being you. Such a knowledgeable lady, I always enjoyed listening to you. Rest in eternal peace ❤️
Remembered by: Julie Bartlett
My thoughts are with Annes Family and Friends, May she Rest in Peace 🙏🏻
Remembered by: Julie Rey
Very sad to hear about her passing RIP 🩷
Remembered by: Sue Simmonds
Straight, honest, and fair. Thank you for all you did.
Remembered by: Salam virani
May you rest in everlasting peace. From Becky and Dorle in Dartford.
Remembered by: Rebecca Saunders
So sad, rest in peace.
Remembered by: Tracey Youngs
She was a wonderful person, true to her covictions and faith and always having others interests at heart. We need more like her. She will be sadly missed. RIP Anne
Remembered by: Anna Heath
A beautiful lady who always cared about people, such a strong lady. We send our love to your family and friends. RIP Ann God Bless xx
Remembered by: Julie Jones
Rest in peace, Anne, a truly honourable lady who steadfastly stood by her values and morals.You will be sadly missed
Remembered by: Ray Porter
I cannot express how sad I am, on learning of Ann Widdecombe's tragic loss of life. RIP.
Remembered by: Vic
Great lady and a straightforward speaking lady will be greatly missed rip Ann x
Remembered by: Carol hiorns
Thanks Ann for caring about people, thanks for letting the country see your true self, and for being a straight talker. I believe in Gods promise of eternal life, so please have lots of fun in your new life. Don't let what happened last week spoil your enjoyment. Finally my deepest sympathy to everybody who knows you and those who are feeling a deep sense of shock and sadness at this difficult time. Have fun Ann, perhaps one day i will get to meet you.
Remembered by: Janet Taylor
Such a principled strong womanRIP
Remembered by: S ellis
Rest in peace Ann. We loved watching you on strictly come dancing and on Jeremy on 5. You will be missed. Condolences go out to your family and friends.
Remembered by: Dawn & Steven Blackburn
So sadly missed. Rest in Peace Ann.
Remembered by: Rosarie A Ripley.
Anne you always made me laugh. Didnt always agree with you but really admired you. Rest in peace lovely lady💕💕
Remembered by: Linda Armstrong
Rest in peace Anne i hope ur with ur family and cats
Remembered by: Kelly Co Donegal Ireland
R.I.P Ann 💔May she rest with her God in peace x
Remembered by: Tricia Reed
Had the pleasure of meeting you a couple of times in Newton Abbot. Happy to chat always. You will be missed greatly. RIP Anne
Remembered by: Susan Watts
Miss Widdecombe, you were wonderful woman of strength and beauty, and deserved much more than this. I will miss hearing your clear, kind and honest words. God bless you and rest in peace.
Remembered by: Cameron
Ann was a lady of principle and was not afraid to tell people her views great debater and all round nice person will be sorely missed rest in peace Ann
Remembered by: Sue Horton
A lovely lady who had the courage of her convictions ,rip.
Remembered by: Julie willson
And it came to pass that a woman of steadfast spirit walked among the people, one who spoke with clarity when others faltered, and held her ground when the winds of the age blew fierce. Her reward, she is now held in the palm of Jesus' hand.RIP Dearest Ann.
Remembered by: Catherine Marsh
Dear Ann you were amazing. You will be missed. This should never had happened to you! RIP with your family. God bless! 🙏❤️❤️
Remembered by: Elaine Clay and Steve Clay
Such a lovely lady honest through and through always said what she thought down to earth lady sending hugs to family and friends R.I.P 🧡 AnnYou will be missed
Remembered by: Stephanie
Lifelong devoted public servant. She gave us her all. Thank you for your service, you will be missed. Rest in peace.
Remembered by: Roderick Crew
Ann you will missed by us all agreed with you mostly.you were a brave lady always spoke the truth this world is a sadder place without you.may you rest in peace
Remembered by: Mairi campbell-block
Bless you Anne. Dear lady. Loved by so many.i can’t stop thinking of you a kind decent soul. Rest in peace. Sympathy for your friend s and family.
Remembered by: Jill and Tony
R.I.P Ann you will be dearly missed by so many.Your wit and Humour will follow you for ever
Remembered by: Paul Shorter
R.I.P Ann you will be missed for all the good you have tried to do for your country and the British people,shine bright ,
Remembered by: Sonia Garrity
Dear Miss Widdicombe. Thank you for all your hard work as an MP. I had the pleasure of meeting you & introducing you in fact, to a group I belonged to. A most delightful talk from you which everyone enjoyed. ,RIP
Remembered by: Gloria Jones
You were a truly lovely lady. May you rest in peace and stand where no one stands alone. Sincere wishes to your family.
Remembered by: Ann Smith.
Met Ann many times whilst working with the Hi Centre in Maidstone. She was an amazing lady and had a fundamentally good, moral soul. Her sense of humour was incredible and was a the most life-enriching person that I had the honour of working with.
Remembered by: Boo Comben
Rest peacefully Anne. Thankyou for your love of this country. Your loyalty honour humour. God Bless you. Will miss you. So very sad
Remembered by: Joan Evans
Your integrity, passion and courage were inimitable; you have been an inspiration, to so many people. Thank you. Rest in peace.
Remembered by: Elizabeth Tresidder
I do not want to imagine your last moments in this world. How anyone would want to harm you is incomprehensible. I admired your strong character....your passions....your strong beliefs....your funny personality....game for everything! If I could have 10% of your strengths id be over the moon. RIP Ann....
Remembered by: Jan Jeffery
RIP Wonderful lady. Ann was a good support when we were fighting the incinerator in Allington, although it got built. Very supportive in many initiatives xx
Remembered by: Val Severn
Dear Ann, thank you for your years of service, your integrity, intellect & pure sass! Your ability to transcend to other fields & show the world your humour too. Rest in peace, the act of wickedness that has taken you too soon will not define your brilliant life. A life well lived. Xx
Remembered by: Sue Smith
Rest in Peace Ann, truly saddened and horrified by what has happened. Thinking of your family and friends at this very sad time.
Remembered by: Ashley Grace
An amazing hardworking MP
Remembered by: Eleanor Bole
Dear Ann you were an inspiration to many of us a wonderful human being and l hope you rest in peace in gods arms a truly amazing woman God Bless You
Remembered by: Lesley Str
RIP Anne. A lifetime of service to the country you love, you spoke with a sense of humour, and a beloved MP by your constituents. I'll leave this tribute to your lifetime of service, with sincere thanks. My condolences to friends, and family, and the congregation of your church.
Remembered by: PAUL F BARGUSS
The queen of common sense, loved your wicked sense of humour, so sad and upset at what happened to you lovely lady, loved you and Jeremy Vine, wont forget you xx
Remembered by: Melanie Dixon
She was a lioness, determined, hard working, loyal to her country. Bless you Ann, you certainly didn’t deserve this. Sleep peacefully little Lady 🌹
Remembered by: Mrs Irene Murphy
I send my condolences to Ann's family. Ann was an unforgettable character and will be missed.
Remembered by: Marie Corcoran
Dear Ann you were a wonderful MP, going the extra mile for everyone. It was a pleasure to work with you. A big thank you from me. We will all miss you.
Remembered by: David Petford
Absolute treasure and so, so helpful as a Maidstone MP. She just never stopped working, great respect well earned. RIP Ma’am 😢😢
Remembered by: Mags Zak
Dear Ann, for many years I watched you in parliament and at events in Maidstone and surrounding areas. You were a woman I felt I could look up to. You weren’t afraid to speak out on issues you believed in. On Strictly you were the star of the show. We watched it to laugh with you, never at you. Thank you for being you and I am so sad that your life has ended. REST IN PEACE Ann 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔
Remembered by: Anne Payne
RIPAnne - very good person ❤️❤️🙏🙏
Remembered by: Julie
Fabulous lady didn’t deserve this, so saddened, RIP ❤️❤️💖💖🙏🙏🙏
Remembered by: Julie
So sorry Ann. You were a truly committed politician, unlike a lot of others. You will sorely missed. Rip, Mick Lancley.
Remembered by: Mick Lancley.
So sad that you are gone. You was a special lady. Lovely and compassionate. You will be missed deeply. My heart goes out to your family. The world is missing a wonderful lady. Outspoken and a star in your own way. Hopefully your light up the sky now shine bright.
Remembered by: Tracey Freeman-Hawkins
God bless Anne widdicombe God bless sleep tight. Remember you appearance on strictly and big brother you were great..💔🙏
Remembered by: Rita Courtney
We cannot believe that you have gone. Rest in peace.
Remembered by: Sheridan mc
Rest in peace Dear Ann, I always admired your passion for your beliefs and I am so sorry for what has happened
Remembered by: Debbie Harman
Ann you were a great entertainer and outspoken individual . To hear you had passed was a shock in itself but the latter news of how you passed is totally unbelievable . Thank you for your services to the country . RIP
Remembered by: Julie Barney
God keep you safely in his care for all eternity. Rest in peace Anne. Much love, The Eves family x
Remembered by: Janet Wves
Such a wonderful lady. I met her in my home town of Driffield when she gave a talk at a lunch club. She circulated around every table and spent such a lot of time chatting to everybody. Very interesting, hard working and fun. An incredibly sad loss and my thoughts go to her family and friends. RIP Ann. xx
Remembered by: Jane
God bless you and keep you close in heaven.
Remembered by: Rosemarie Rees-Lomax
What a warrior you were i admire your strength to follow your convictions a rare thing these days for that alone you are a big loss
Remembered by: Dawn Reid
Cornwall Federation of WIs send deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of Ann. We know she has been keen supporter of women over the years.
Remembered by: Avril Pile Trustee
Loved you Ann, your interaction with Jeremy every time you were on his show made me laugh, will miss you so much but I know you are with Jesus in Heaven and your deceased pussycats too. God rest your soul, Stella
Remembered by: Stella Breathnach
You were one of a kind and the world is a sadder place without you. We will miss your common sense , humour and straight talking. R.I.P. dear Ann. Thank you for everything. Rest with the angels.🙏
Remembered by: Jacqueline Chitty.
Very sad to hear of Ann's passing. She spoke about issues in a way that was clear and moral . Thank you for being a voice for us.
Remembered by: Julie Cole
I was so very sad to hear about Ann’s death. I lived in Maidstone for many years and she served her community brilliantly. I never met her but wish I had. Sending deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Remembered by: Sam
Old school woman tough and strong you will always be remembered
Remembered by: Emma
The world suffers when an Angel is taken. Hope she is flying free and proud of her achievements. She will be sadly missed.
Remembered by: Carol Hope
An enigma, honest, but outspoken. You get what you see ! ❤️
Remembered by: David Mccrodden
Thoughts to you and hugs to your family x Never agreed with ur values but u were a formidable lady who should not have been taken in this way
Remembered by: Baz Howard
RIP Ann. My parents had a lovely time when they saw you at the theatre.
Remembered by: Clare
Ann was a formidable, genuine lady who had time to listen to all she met. She was always on the thick of things helping where should could. One example was the Yalding floods a few years ago. She was there with her wellington boots, raincoat, headscarf and sleeves rolled up helping to clear peoples homes that had been damaged by the floods. She genuinely cared about people. May she rest in eternal peace. 🙏
Remembered by: Ann Wenham
So shocked by your death, i never met you in person but have enjoyed listening and watching you over the years. What a lovely lady you where i shall miss seeing you x
Remembered by: Mrs Amanda Jordan
RIP ANN I’m sure if you had your time again you could have been a great prime minister
Remembered by: Michael
Dear Ann, so many thanks for all that you have done and achieved over the many decades. We all appreciate your hard work. Your voice, and no nonsense approach will be sorely missed by all. We will miss you immensely. ❤️
Remembered by: Mike&Debs Howels
A great lady who spoke the truth , and was not afraid to do so . A sad loss not only to Reform but to the country . Will be sadly missed xxxx
Remembered by: Pauline
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