For 23 years, Ann Widdecombe represented the community that many say she never truly left behind. Now, as former colleagues and longtime friends share emotional memories, one overlooked chapter of her public life is suddenly drawing renewed attention. With investigators still searching for answers, many believe these personal reflections reveal a side of Ann few people ever got to see

ITV News Meridian’s Abigail Bracken went to meet former colleagues of Ann Widdecombe.

At St Francis Catholic Church in Maidstone in Kent there were prayers this morning for their former parishioner and MP Ann Widdecombe. She was a devout Catholic, known for her traditional values.

Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home on Thursday. Police have said they believe she was attacked the day before and a murder investigation is ongoing.

She was MP for Maidstone for 23 years and worked as a Home Office and employment minister in John Major’s government between 1994 and 1997.

Conservative Helen Grant, who serves as the MP for Maidstone and Malling and who took over from Miss Widdecombe following the 2010 general election, has said she’s forever grateful for her help.

“[Ann] came to campaign with me at the 2010 election and the 2015 election,” Grant said.

She added: “I shall always remember her in her battle bus with a massive megaphone – she had a very big voice for a small lady – shouting at the top of her voice, ‘Vote Conservative, vote Conservative today’, and beeping her horn.

“And that will be my memory of Ann. She was very good with me, very fair – may she rest in peace.”

Gary Cooke, Maidstone Borough Councillor and a Conservative Party member, fondly remembered time spent with Miss Widdecombe on the campaign trail.

“[Ann] was forthright, she was energetic,” Cooke said. “If she thought something was worth doing, then it was worth giving it your all.”