She was a long-time presence in parliament July 10, 2026 6:42 am 1 min read Ann Widdecombe has died aged 78. (Picture: Christopher Furlong/Getty) Billy Freeman Overnight News Editor Former Conservative minister Ann Widdicombe has died aged 78, her spokesperson said. Widdecombe was a Tory MP between 1987 and 2010 and served as shadow home secretary under William Hague. She was best known as a social conservative. More to come