Ann Widdecombe’s personal beliefs helped shape her political beliefs (Image: Getty)
Ann Widdecombe was one of Britain’s most outspoken political figures, and her personal beliefs often influenced her political opinions and decisions. These ranged from traditional values to the importance of taking responsibility.
The politician passed away on July 8, and after a manhunt it was announced that an arrest was made in connection with her murder. Looking back, here are some of the core beliefs that helped shape her political career:
Christian faith
Ann Widdecombe was one of the most prominent Christian politicians in the United Kingdom and her faith played a huge role in both her personal life and public duties.
In 1993, she converted to Roman Catholicism, saying that she was influenced by the Catholic Church’s doctrinal consistency. In an interview with The New Statesman, she said: “For years I had been disillusioned by the Church of England’s compromising on everything. The Catholic Church doesn’t care if something is unpopular.”
During her life, she argued that politicians should not have to hide or set aside their religious beliefs, and that they can instead play a role in political decisions.
She frequently expressed her support for both traditional Christian and family values (Image: Getty)
Importance of traditional family values
Ms Widdecombe argued that a traditional family structure provided the strongest foundation for society. She believed that marriage should be a lifelong commitment, and raising children should be done with both parents.
One of her most controversial beliefs was that same-sex marriage should not have been legalised, due to the fact that she viewed marriage as a unique bond built around the shared experience of having and raising children.
In a BBC interview, she once said that: “No substitute has ever been found for the traditional family.”
Personal responsibility
Another one of her defining principles was the belief that individuals should be held accountable for their choices.
“We have no blasphemy laws these days but with that freedom comes the responsibility which should always attend the exercise of free speech: truth, courtesy and an awareness of impact.”, she said in a 2013 Telegraph interview.
She believed that people should accept the consequences of their actions, and take responsibility for what they have done rather than expecting others to solve your problems for you. During her time as Minister of State for Prisons, she was in strong support for firm sentencing of serious offenders.
She was a strong supporter of Brexit (Image: Getty)
National sovereignty
This was another core belief of the former MP, who believed that the UK should make its own laws and control its own borders. This was externalised through her passionate support for Brexit, which she argued would help return decision-making powers to elected representatives in Westminster.
Widdecombe once said in a Daily Express article that: “In the 1990s, while the Maastricht debate was raging, I was a minister in the Major government. Every single piece of legislation we proposed had to be scrutinised for compatibility with EU law.”
She also frequently spoke on preserving Britain’s traditions, history and culture.
Integrity and honesty:
Ann Widdecombe believed that you should stand by what you believe in, and that you should put your duty before popularity, even if it meant facing criticism.
Speaking truthfully was a huge belief of hers, and she encouraged people to be open and honest about their beliefs.
She also believed that voters should vote for who they want. She said in a Guardian interview that you should “never judge something by whether it is popular or not. You don’t have to follow trends.”