Ann Widdecombe portrait installed in Parliament

A portrait of former MP and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe has been installed in Portcullis House to mark the return of Members of Parliament from summer recess. The portrait, taken in 2010, serves as an initial tribute following her death at age 78 in her Devon home last month.

Widdecombe, who served as the MP for Maidstone and The Weald for over two decades, was found with serious head injuries. Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder.

Helen Grant, Widdecombe’s successor, described the portrait as ‘the start of a lasting tribute’ and noted that discussions are ongoing regarding a more permanent commemoration on the Parliamentary estate, similar to memorials established for former MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess.