Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need to “rise above any political differences” to focus on finding Ann Widdecombe’s killer. He praised the former MP as a “distinguished politician” with “many achievements,” noting her death as a “huge, huge loss.”
Throughout the day, tributes were paid to Widdecombe, a long-time Conservative MP who supported Reform UK since 2023.
Reform leader Nigel Farage highlighted Widdecombe’s “decisive role in getting Brexit over the line” as a Brexit Party candidate in 2019.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described Widdecombe as a “formidable politician.” She expressed being “stunned” by the “nasty and horrific attack” and offered condolences to Farage and Reform members, stating, “We have both lost a friend.”
Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith remarked on the Today program that she “gave her opinions even if you didn’t necessarily look for them.”
A spokesperson for Starmer mentioned, “The Prime Minister was saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe. She was a distinctive figure in British politics for many years,” and he commended her commitment and dedication to her country.
This developing story has been updated with additional details.
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