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.

Ann. May you Rise in Glory. R,I.P.

Remembered by: Maureen Gavaghan Flaherty

An inspiration, you left us far too soon. God bless you Ann. 🕯️🕊️

Remembered by: Marion Hulme

So heartbreaking 💔 You were a wonderful lady and a national treasure. Rest in peace Ann🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Remembered by: Stephanie Gibbs

Our deep felt condolences to your family and friends at this very awlful time in losing a special lady ..Rest peacefully Ann

Remembered by: Lisa

R.I.P. Ann. You were a True Patriot 🇬🇧 Gone but not forgotten. 🌹

Remembered by: Carol Wheeler

Such a lovely hard working Christian lady , thank you for all you did for our country, may you rest in peace.

Remembered by: Heather King.

Rest in peace Ann you will always be remembered, for all your hard work you will be sadly missed

Remembered by: Susan

Inspirational lady for me. Thank you for serving my home town with gusto. Sadly missed but never forgotten.

Remembered by: Lyndsey Bellingham

Thank you for all you did and your dedicated service to this country. World is a little sadder without you RIP

Remembered by: Michelle Ramsden

Rest in peace Ann. So very sorry this has happened to you. We will always remember you. God Bless you x

Remembered by: Carol and David Curtis

We have lost an amazing lady, a strong advocate for the British way of life and for its people.I'm so sorry i never got to meet you and personally thank you for your courage and bravery.I pray that God is holding you in his arms. 🙏❤️🇬🇧

Remembered by: Joan

You will always be remembered with so much love, you were so caring to all of us Much love Ann xx

Remembered by: Caroline Lower

People like Ann make politics and life more interesting and lively. She was an intelligent woman who was true to her beliefs and values. She made a difference in public life. She had a fulfilling life. Condolences to her nephew, great niece and nephews and her friends and colleagues. Fondly remembered.

Remembered by: Angela

We have lost an amazing lady, strong, honest, she would have made a wonderful PM and would have made Britain proud. RIP Ann you will be sorely missed and may God bless you

Remembered by: Judith Mary Pryce

God bless and keep Ann for her wisdom, faith, strength and courage. May she rest in his arms.

Remembered by: Sharon Reichter

Rest in peace great Lady, gone but neve forgotten with the Angels and Saints. 🙏😭😘

Remembered by: Hana Harris

You are an inspirational woman with many words of wisdom that can be repeated and heard over and over and still it makes the most perfect sense, that wisdom will continue to ripple through time. One of my personal favourites.. “No one has the right to live their lives being protected from offence or hurt feelings - it is an occupational hazard of living in society”. The passion you had for animal rights and how you had everyone’s best interests at heart is something I know many are incredibly thankful for. May you rest in peace Ann, I hope what you were fighting for with Reform will one day be achieved and I for one will never be silenced and always recall your values , kindness and passion for the British people.Rest In Peace Ann Widdecombe.

Remembered by: Kirsty Archer

Brilliant lady RIp x

Remembered by: Janet Beard

Rest in peace Ann, more people like you required in today’s society. A decent woman taken far too soon

Remembered by: Susan Lawrie

Absolutely heartbreaking, justice shall be served, Rest in Peace amazing lady

Remembered by: Mathew Harding

Such a terrible shame a life taken away rest in peace Anne

Remembered by: Karen

May God Bless this remarkable lady. She was consistent in the pursuance of justice and dedicated to her beliefs. Her forthright manner and contrasting humour were refreshing in a world where strength and kindness are a much needed combination. RIP

Remembered by: Monica Biggs

Rest in peace Ann. 🥀

Remembered by: Linda Johnson

Dear ann I love seeing you on TV strictly & big brother, especially, but also loved seeing you with your views etc, you were a legend, & you were a one off, you will be sorely missed, I'm so sorry, you had to die the way you did, R.I.P Ann fly high! & Yes you'll see your parents & your brother & maybes your cats xx

Remembered by: Valerie bolan

RIP Ann x

Remembered by: D Byrom

Ann came to the Primary school where I worked. She was a kind, funny, thoughtful lady who took time to talk to the children and staff and was genuinely interested in what they had to say. Incredibly sad. RIP.

Remembered by: Donna Kneller

Rip Anne now may you rest in jesus arms god bless uou love and respect

Remembered by: Rosie Hocking

Ann was unique gifted with enormous grit and determination! Like or dislike her political agenda …She was genuinely just herself unlike so many politicians today!

Remembered by: Arabella Mckay

RIP Ann, the world will be worse off without you in it, I am not in your constituency but i admired you for your hard work and commitment to this Country. Heartbroken. I hope you are at peace. 💔

Remembered by: Trudy Cooper

Anne helped me on a couple of occasions when I was a constituent of her's in Maidstone area. She was no nonsense pulled out all the stops and got things done.A great advocate for the people she served.

Remembered by: Christine Highland

So sad , RIP Anne

Remembered by: Denise Goldsmit

An amazing, straightforward, kind and caring individual. A formidable character too! Ann was always there to thank our firemen in Maidstone on Christmas Day - a small thing may be but a measure of the person she was. We saw Ann on a visit to Widdecombe on the Moor, close to her beloved home. A unique person who will never be forgotten. Ann - thank you for all you have given us.

Remembered by: Jen and Jeremy Cottrell

Such an awful thing to happen the world is a cruel place rip💐🪽

Remembered by: Sheryl & craig humphreys

I so admired this great lady. She gave so much of herself to this country. Rest in peace Ann.

Remembered by: Patricia Doyle

Such sad and shocking news about Ann Widdecombe death. A beautiful lady lostCondolences to her familySleep tight beautiful lady, fly high in the sky and get your beautidul wings.R.I.P🙏🌹

Remembered by: Tracy Smith

It truly , wonderful politician. You always book your mind and nearly always satisfied argument. I wish I had met you. I’m sure we would have discussed things for hours. You did not deserve what fair bought you. You would never be forgotten in history as one of the true great politicians. Rest in peace.

Remembered by: Tina Cape

A person so dear to our hearts. Thank you for your amazing service to the country. Ann will be sadly missed. She was a role model in her caring, kind, intelligent behaviour in public and her private life. Rest in peace Ann.

Remembered by: Catherine Swanson

It’s so sad to wake up then think Ann is no longer with us! She was a formidable Lady whom I respected 100% not just politically but on a more personal level. A beautiful human being who deserved to live her life, to die so horrendously 😢 is so unimaginable. R.I.P. Ann 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Remembered by: James

Rest in Peace Anne

Remembered by: Sue

A thoroughly decent human being. RIP

Remembered by: Jan Burge

A thoroughly decent and honest MP who spoke her mind. She will be much missed by many in the country who despair at the way things in the UK are goinv. Rest in peace Ann.

Remembered by: Chris Scruton

Rest in peace ann,the world was a better place with you in it 🙏 cruel

Remembered by: Kelly-anne crickmore

I didnt know ann personally. But she always shared her opionion and stood by her values. The tributes that ive seen show what a lovely woman she was. Such a shock and and what a horrible way to leave this world.. i hope you are watching over the world and seeing how fondly people are remembering you

Remembered by: Tracy

Anne will be remembered for the kindness she showed, the lives she touched, and the memories she leaves behind. Her loss will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her.My heartfelt thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her family, friends, and everyone mourning her loss. May they find comfort in the love they shared with Anne and strength in the many cherished memories that will remain forever.Rest in peace, Anne. You will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Remembered by: Tim Richardson

This woman was a warrior to the end.

Remembered by: Hailey Ki

An amazing conviction politician whose no nonsense stance adhered her to the hearts of those of us who admired her.Rest eternal grant unto her oh Lord and let light perpetual shine upon her. May she rest in eternal peace and rise in everlasting glory. Amen.

Remembered by: Richard

Dear Anne. You will be dearly missed. You signed one of your novels for me which i will treasure. Such an individual with strong opinions which were thought provoking. And how brave to go on Strictly that takes guts. Your kindness was very much appreciated. RIP

Remembered by: Gilda Waugh

I was deeply saddened to hear of Ann's passing. She was a woman of conviction who spoke her mind without fear, and she leaves behind a legacy of service and straight-talking honesty that few in public life can match. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. May she rest in peace. Cllr JC MacFarlane, Councillor of Stellenbosch Municipality. Western Cape, South Africa.

Remembered by: JC MacFarlane

An amazing lady and an extraordinary life. Ann was principled and steadfast in her beliefs which were rooted in her Catholic faith. Fearless in highlighting right from wrong. May she rest in peace and rise in glory! RIP dear lady.🙏

Remembered by: Matthew Devine

Fly high, Ann You were amazing! <3 RiP

Remembered by: Alyson xx

May God grant her eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon her.

Remembered by: Margaret

You were a character Anne and stood by what you said with integrity. Your outspoken common sense will be missed. Thankyou for all your hard work May you now rest in peace.

Remembered by: Mark Rodway

Sadly missed: and honest politician.

Remembered by: David Purcell

Ann, I had the absolute privilege of meeting you a number of times. You were always warm and showed genuine interest of all public service workers within Kent and Maidstone. Although small in stature, you were mighty in your commitment to the community and constituents that you served.Thank you isn’t strong enough. We owe you a debt of gratitude for the work you did, that intimately cost you your life.You should have passed as an old lady, asleep in your bed, when you were ready.Sleep peacefully now, with God.

Remembered by: Helen Boakes

A very feisty lady who was not afraid to speak her mind. May you rest in peace Ann.

Remembered by: Marion Lander.

Dear Ann, your warmth, humanity and grounded character will be forever missed. Your legacy will live on, we will make sure of that RIP dear Ann

Remembered by: Manda Soames

May the beautiful soul of this wonderful lady rest in peace with her Saviour in Heaven. 🙏🙏🙏

Remembered by: Bernadette McCluskey

What an amazing lady you were, you stood by your values and were not afraid to speak your mind! Always a straight talker and Maidstone's finest MP. I remember you fondly visiting Primary Schools gifting Houses of Parliament Pencils to the children and riding around the town centre of Maidstone in an open backed truck thanking those for voting for you, it was absolutely pouring down with rain but you carried on anyways! Always fondly remembered, Rest in Peace Ann.

Remembered by: Sarah Knight

So sorry to hear of your awful passing. I met you several times as a newly qualified nurse, every Christmas morning you turned up on the wards with humbugs from the House of Commons, without fail. Such thought fullness. Thank you

Remembered by: Elaine woodhams

Rest in eternal Peace lovely lady 🙏🏼🕯️🪽

Remembered by: Debra

Anne you did not deserve this end. And I am so sorry that it happened to you. Rest in peace with the angels. Your God will look after you now. 🕊🪽🕊🪽

Remembered by: Mrs J Emms

RIP dear Ann had the pleasure of meeting you at a conservative dinner , you were charming and we had a lovely conversation and meal .

Remembered by: Anne Anderson

Dear Ann altho I never met you I always thought you were 1 of the nicest, honest &, feisty lady's ever, God Bless you you will be missed so v much my lovely

Remembered by: Janet halsey

Rest in peace Ann, you were a lady who believed in what you said ,a real true politician. You will be sadly missed 🥺

Remembered by: William Sellar

You were an extraordinary lady, i always wanted to meet you so that i could tell you how much i admired you , you spoke with passion and conviction about everything you belived in and you stuck to your guns ,you had compassion for animals and loved the countryside ,you also had a wicked scence of fun and of humour , i will try not to remember the way you passed, instead i will remember a life well lived ,rest in eternal peace Ann xxxx

Remembered by: Amanda Owston

Im so sorry that your life was taken from you. We know you are with your lord now.

Remembered by: Sue Brough

The forthright views, the kindness to animals and the sheer joy Anne gave us in strictly. Taken far too soon and in a horrific way. We will remember her and miss her. Rest in peace with your parents, brother and cats xx

Remembered by: Cherylisa Cargill

One of the best friends I never had, because sadly I never met you. Sometimes you just know you would be great friends with someone, if only your paths could somehow cross. I would have loved to be in your company. A feisty, confident and principled lady whose kindness, humour and gentle nature were, nevertheless, clear and unmistakable. May God bless you, Ann. I hope your staunch, unwavering faith brought you the strength and comfort that you needed in your final moments. From someone you never knew, but who genuinely liked, admired and respected you for decades. Sending lots of love. Sleep well. You will be missed 💔🙏✝️

Remembered by: Darren Kennerley

You didn't deserve this, R.I.P Ann, going to be missed ❤️

Remembered by: Elizabeth Milne

I knew Ann on and off for over 30 years from her living near Sutton Valance. Also coming to ladies breakfast at the Maidstone salvation army to give talks. Anne was passionate about politics and her belief in the process of them and what she stood for. She will be missed greatly. Rest in your Lords arms at his side where a place has been prepared you .R.I.P

Remembered by: Johanna gaskin

Such an amazing lady , who said it like it was, will be sadly missed from everyone, God Bless

Remembered by: James Hastie

Gone too soon Ann. May you Rest In Peace.

Remembered by: Janet Daws

God bless you Ann

Remembered by: Austin

Such a lovely lady taken to soon may you rest in peace xx

Remembered by: Jane Lewis

Whether you loved her or didn’t she was true to herself and her beliefs. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. MHDSRIP

Remembered by: Susan Watson

Goodnight, God bless Ann 💔

Remembered by: Sam Wilkinson

We never met, I didn't always agree with your beliefs, but I hope you are at peace now and discussing politics with God. R.I.P Anne

Remembered by: Angela Hallam

So so sad, rip Ann

Remembered by: Charlotte

So sad to hear the news off ur passing. Thank you for everything Ann, may you rest in peace always xxxx

Remembered by: Child family

Ann, you will never be forgotten for your politics and the tv shows you appeared in. A lovely lady.

Remembered by: Pauline

Sincere condolences on this awfully sad loss of a wonderful tv personality. I’ll never forget watching you and other celebs living the Victorian way. You tackled that task with gusto. I’m so very sad that you were taken before your natural time. RIP dear Ann ❤️

Remembered by: Gillian Watts

RIP Ann. Always admired you as no nonsense, honest and forthright human being. May God Bless and keep you in his loving care forever 😪 x̌x

Remembered by: KATHY PERKINS

Absolute Gem Of A Woman Will Be Very Sadly Missed Such An Awful Situation Hope Ann Is At Peace xx

Remembered by: Casey

What a pillow of strength you were on 2 occasions you assisted me, in which I am very grateful for. My partner lives in Maidstone, I live in the midlands you still supported my enquiry in regards to parents that use children against the other partner and preventing male suicide. You will never be forgotten. You were a truly remarkable lady.

Remembered by: Lorraine Owen

Dear AnnAbsolutely shocked to discover what happened to you in the home you loved so much I have always admired your honest, no nonsense straight talking. A stoic lady who will be greatly missed in politics and on the wider spectrum If only you had been our Prime Minister at some point things might have turned out far better for allRest in Peace dear lady 🥀

Remembered by: Suze

RIP Anne, you will never be forgotten and your humanity and kindness will live on. Bless you. And you never know, you may see your pussycts again.Much love from Michele Bend ❤️

Remembered by: Michele Bend

A meaningless loss of a life of somebody who has served us throughout her working life, whether you agreed with all her views or not.What a wicked person to have done this !

Remembered by: Gary Andrews

My sincere condolences to Ann's family,relatives, colleagues, and friends. I didn't know Ann except when I watched her on TV. She is so sadly missed as she was a lady who was fearless in her speech, and spoke with integrity. It is so sad that Ann's life ended as it did. May she rest in peace and rise in glory. May God welcome her into Heaven.

Remembered by: Joe

Dear Anne.i am trying to process this tragic news.in this terrible world of today why would a person take the life of a lady of senior years.you are now safe with God.RIP

Remembered by: Sheila maile

I met Ann only once - but she certainly left an impression. There are no words to convey the horrific experience that she must have been going through. So not deserved by her or anyone. RIP Ann

Remembered by: Joe

Ann we were so lucky to have had you.Thankyou for your work,for your passion and for showing us how to do it properly!

Remembered by: Deborah

Rest in Peace, didn’t agree with your politics but reinvented yourself as an all round entertainer. Should have had many more happy years

Remembered by: Linda Langford

So sad!

Remembered by: P Brown

We’ve sadly lost a great women. A women who dedicated her life to public service. She joined Reform UK and started a mission, Reform must now fulfil her mission and make Britain a place that she would have loved to live in. Rest in Eternal Peace Ann. A soul that will be forever missed. ❤️🕊️🕊️❤️

Remembered by: Jack Rivers

You will be deeply missed Ann you were who you are a honest and compassionate person who cared about our country taken so cruelly RIP Anne ❤️

Remembered by: Sandra Stevens

A genuine public servant, will always remember the Christmas days she spent visiting the Police, Fire and Ambulance services. She would spend time visiting everyone that was working and thanking them, rather than spending her Christmas with family and friends. Rest in Peace.

Remembered by: Natalie Potter

Rest in peace, Ann. You did your duty, and more, and we grieve your loss most dearly.

Remembered by: Anne and Graeme Ammundsen

Ann, you were a breath of fresh air in the world of politics. Committed, passionate and truthful.i hope you rest in peace and rise in glory. Goodnight and God bless. 🙏

Remembered by: Joan Sygrove

We thank God for your life. You were a blessing. Our loss is heaven's gain. Praying for your friends, colleagues and loved ones. See you above.

Remembered by: Chris

Rest in Peace . A strong woman's voice in a world of conflict . You will be sorely missed by many . Sleep easy Ann x 🕯🕊🌸🌿🌸🕊🕯

Remembered by: Mr and Mrs Boyce

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