Ann Widdecombe issued a warning over the Makerfield by-election in one of her final public appearances before her death. On Friday (10 July), the former Conservative minister turned Reform UK member’s management confirmed that she had died aged 78, saying she would be missed “greatly”. During a Jeremy Vine & Daytime on 5 broadcast on 17 June, Ms Widdecombe warned that Rupert Lowe's party was the only thing standing between Reform's Robert Kenyon and victory, though Andy Burnham eventually won the by-election.

Ann Widdecombe, the former MP and MEP who also featured on Strictly Come Dancing, has died aged 78, her representative has said.

Her death was confirmed by her spokesperson on Friday morning - she was first elected to Parliament under Margaret Thatcher in 1987 before rising through the ranks

She was a long-time presence in parliament

The vocal champion of Brexit also appeared on Strictly and Celebrity Big Brother