Nigel Farage pays tribute to Ann Widdecombe at Reform UK Conference

Nigel Farage has paid tribute to former MP Ann Widdecombe, describing her as an “irrepressible, unique, totally extraordinary” politician during the Reform UK conference.

Ms Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home near Haytor on Dartmoor in July.

Speaking at the Reform UK conference earlier today (Friday 4 September), Mr Farage said her absence was being felt and that he believed the conference should begin by remembering her.

“Someone is missing. Someone is missing. The irrepressible, unique, totally extraordinary Ann Widdecombe is missing,” he said.

Mr Farage described Ms Widdecombe as “the best known female politician in Britain since Margaret Thatcher”.

He said she had a distinctive style as a politician and did not rely on notes when speaking.

“She said things not to court short-term popularity,” he said. “She said things that she believed truly and deeply in her heart.”

Mr Farage also spoke about Ms Widdecombe's life after leaving frontline politics, including her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity Big Brother, writing novels and touring theatres.

He recalled working with her after she became a Brexit Party candidate for the 2019 European elections.

“I was in the office getting ready, preparing to launch, and the phone rang. I picked it up. ‘Ann Widdecombe here.’ Well, I mean, I stood to attention!” he said.

Mr Farage said Ms Widdecombe had become a trusted colleague and described her as someone who could be enjoyed both professionally and socially.

“She was somebody who was loved by millions, but respected by many millions more,” he said, adding that many people who disagreed with her politics still respected her.

Ms Widdecombe served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone for 23 years before becoming a Brexit Party MEP for South West England.

She lived on Dartmoor and was also known nationally for her television appearances and political career.

Mr Farage also referred to visiting Dartmoor after her death to lay a wreath.

“When I went down the day after we knew the truth to Dartmoor to lay that wreath, I wasn't doing it with any political purpose on behalf of the party,” he said. “I was doing it for the millions around the country that loved and respected her.”

He said her death remained a “tremendous shock”.

“It is still difficult to get into our heads, the sheer brutality of the way that she died,” he said.

Mr Farage ended his tribute by saying: “I thought today I'd say these few words paying tribute to Ann and saying, may God bless her soul.”