Ann Widdecombe's portrait displayed in Parliament for MPs' return

A portrait of Ann Widdecombe has been erected in Parliament to honor the former MP, who was discovered dead with severe head injuries last month. The photograph of the former Conservative minister was put up on Tuesday inside Portcullis House, where numerous MP offices are situated, just in time for the return of members from the summer recess next week.

The chosen picture was captured in 2010 within the Cloister Corridor of the Palace of Westminster. Its placement coincides with ongoing discussions regarding a suitable memorial for the former minister turned Reform UK spokeswoman, who passed away at 78 after being found at her home in Devon, while 28-year-old Joshua Kerry faces a murder charge.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Widdecombe represented Maidstone and The Weald as an MP for over two decades until 2010. Prior to the summer recess, campaigning took place for a memorial plaque to be installed in Parliament to commemorate Widdecombe, following similar tributes for former MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess after their deaths in office, with Sir David having received a commemorative shield near his former chamber seat in 2023.

"I am delighted that the Speaker of the House of Commons has confirmed that this portrait of Ann Widdecombe will be on show in Parliament, following her tragic death earlier this year."

Grant

The portrait is understood to remain on display over the coming weeks while MPs and parliamentary authorities discuss a permanent fixture. Meanwhile, Widdecombe's family is expected to release further details about a public memorial shortly, and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reportedly skipped the funeral service in Devon to avoid distraction but plans to visit a public memorial later this year.