Remembering Ann Widdecombe

Everyone at the Maidstone River Festival is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Ann Widdecombe.

Ann served as Maidstone and later Maidstone and The Weald with unwavering dedication for 23 years. She was a distinctive voice in British politics and, whether people agreed with her views or not, her commitment to public service and to the community she represented was never in doubt.

Today, our thoughts are with her family, friends, former colleagues, and all those who knew her personally. We also remember the many people across Maidstone whose lives she touched during more than two decades as their Member of Parliament.

As our community comes together by the River Medway, we pause to reflect on her service and to honour her memory.

May she rest in peace.