10/07/2026
KITTEL playwright, Catherine Harrison:
I am deeply disturbed to hear this dreadful news about Ann Widdecombe.
Ann very kindly endorsed the 2017 second edition of my novel, Messiah of the Slums. She did so knowing that I was not, as she was then, a Conservative. Rather, she read my book because she was intellectually engaged and interested in new ideas.
Ann was a public servant: a sincere politician with a good heart. Unconventional in looks, she endured appallingly sexist abuse during her time in parliament. No man would have been ridiculed and castigated in the way she was. I deplored the way she was viewed and talked about. I thought she was strong and courageous: these things are beautiful.
RIP, honourable lady. I will say an Ave for you.
Devon and Cornwall Police say the 78-year-old was found at her home on Dartmoor in Devon on Thursday with serious injuries.
