It’s fair to say that politics ran in Ann Widdecombe’s blood, as her father was once the Head of Naval Supplies and Transport for the Ministry of Defence. Before she joined politics, she worked in marketing at Unilever, and as a Senior Administrator at London University.

Ann Widdecombe | Politics

Ann became the Member of Parliament for Maidstone in 1987, holding the seat until 2010. Whilst in politics, she held a number of roles, including:

– PPS to Tristan Garel-Jones, Minister at the Foreign Office

– Under Secretary of State for Social Security, specialising in pensions

– Under Secretary of State Department of Employment

– Minister of State Department of Employment

– Minister of State Home Office, responsible for prisons and immigrations

– Member of Standards and Privileges Committee of the House of Commons

– Shadow Health Secretary

– Shadow Home Secretary

In 2007 she announced her intention to retire at the 2010 General Election.

In 2019, she announced her intention to stand as a Brexit Party candidate, becoming one of the three South West MEPs. She became a member of the European Parliament Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs, but following the UK’s departure from the EU at the end of 2019, she left the role.

Ann Widdecombe | Media

In 2010, Ann shocked everyone by joining Strictly Come Dancing, pairing with now-judge Anton Du Beke. Despite continuous low scores, she was a hit with the public, and stayed in for 10 weeks.

But Strictly was not her only foray into television. She has taken part in Celebrity Fit Club (2002), Have I Got News For You (2006-07), Doctor Who (2007), Songs of Praise (2012), Cleverdicks (2012), Celebrity Antiques Road Trip (2014), 24 Hours in the Past (2015), Sugar Free Farm (2017), Celebrity Big Brother (2018), and The World’s Most Luxurious Prison (2020).

In 2005 she fronted the series Ann Widdecombe to the Rescue, and has since made documentaries about subjects including benefits culture, prostitution, and the Bible.

She has also appeared on stage in the Christmas pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 2011 alongside Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood. The following year she had a cameo part in the comic opera La Fille du Regiment, and then in 2017 she appeared in the Lowestoft production of Aladdin.

Ann is also a talented writer, having written an autobiography, fiction and non-fiction books, and written columns for The Guardian and The Daily Express.

Her books include:

– Strictly Ann – The Autobiography (2013): Ann recalls her life and highlights the people and events that most influenced her along the way.

– Sackcloth and Ashes (2014): Ann looks at voluntary penance and its relation to repentance in art, literature, history, and in the Bible.

Her novels include:

– The Clematis Tree (2000)

– An Act of Treachery (2002)

– An Act of Peace (2005)

– Father Figure (2005)

– The Dancing Detective (2014)

Ann Widdecombe | Charity Work

Ann has supported a number of charities and organisations over the year, including:

– Safe Haven For Donkeys: helping working donkeys in Israel and Palestinian territories

– Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats: providing safe homes for goats suffering cruelty

– SPANA: international working animal charity providing emergency care and aid

– AID to the Church in Need: supporting Christians who are in pastoral need

– The Longford Trust: supporting those who have been in prison

– Hi Kent: offering support for deaf and hard of hearing people

Ann Widdecombe | Speaking

Ann is now a popular choice of keynote speaker. With a vast knowledge of modern issues, she hosts informative discussions that are littered with amusing anecdotes from her career.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers today to book Ann Widdecombe for your corporate event.

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