Ann Widdecombe, who has died at the age of 78, was the nation’s maiden aunt, almost its Joan of Arc figure

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