by Allison Pearson, Telegraph
A redoubtable and fearless battler, she dedicated her life to championing truth. We must pray she did not also die for it
I had just filed this piece on Ann Widdecombe when my editor told me it was believed she had been murdered. It was shattering news. At the age of 78, Ann had been a bit wobbly on her pins since December when she fell as she was trying to protect a mouse from her cat. Nonetheless, Ann’s death came as a complete shock to colleagues and friends because, only 24 hours earlier, she had been on fine form, giving characteristically robust media interviews (loyally backing Nigel Farage on his decision to trigger a by-election in Clacton), and showing no sign of ill health.
The idea that this tiny titan, a redoubtable and fearless battler, met a violent end is horrifying to contemplate. Ann was not just a retired politician, she was the current justice spokesman for Reform UK. The murder investigation will have to ask if the alleged crime could have been politically motivated. Let’s hope not, but given some of the vile threats and assaults on Farage it can’t be ruled out.
Since the news of Ann’s death first broke, social media has been filled with people paying tribute to her unique character and offering examples of her kindness and decency, whether they agreed with her views or not. A free-speech champion, Ann was a huge support after I was investigated on Remembrance Sunday by the uber-woke Essex Police. In a magnificent speech at the Oxford Union, La Widdy jabbed her finger at the assembled students and said: “Nobody has the right to live their lives being protected from offence or from insults or from hurt feelings. It is an occupational hazard of living in society. And if you really can’t take it become a hermit.”
Ann Widdecombe dedicated her life to championing truth. We must pray she did not also die for it.
Unfortunately not everyone has Ann’s Christian charity, nor her magnanimity to opponents. In the past few hours there have been shocking and disgusting comments by people on the Left. Broadcaster Adam Boulton spoke disparagingly of the “old maid” and “spinster” on Sky News while awaiting a police statement on her suspected murder. Gay campaigner Peter Tatchell put up a post on X calling her “BIGOT”. Shame on the Be Kind brigade who call Ann a “monster” when it is celebrating anyone’s death that is monstrous.
Over the coming days, there is one thing we can do. Ann would want people who feel they can to pray for her soul and for all who loved her and the many whose lives she touched.
The Murder and Memory of Ann Widdicombe by Gavin Ashenden