Years ago, my wife took our two little girls into the Oxford Union to show them her picture as an undergraduate.
They feigned polite interest until they saw the photograph of a young Ann Widdecombe. It set them squealing with delight.
They reminisced excitedly for the rest of the morning about her performances on Strictly Come Dancing.
Ann had that effect on people. Yes, her public persona was severe. She leaned into being the nation’s disapproving maiden aunt. But her natural warmth and playfulness shone through despite her best efforts.
She was a traditionalist in every sense – she never really accepted the idea
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