A few thoughts on Ann Widdecombe
William Hague and Ann Widdecombe at the Conservative Party Conference in Blackpool, 1999. (Photo: The Guardian) Like most of you, I did not know Ann Widdecombe personally. That does not, naturally, prevent me from having views on her political legacy. Indeed, I have many. When it was first announced that she had died, I considered writing a few words. They would not have constituted a tribute, but nor would they have been disrespectful. It is perfectly possible to assess someone's political career honestly without either descending into abuse or pretending, simply because they have died, that one never profoundly disagreed with them. I am glad I waited, because it has emerged since that what initially appeared to be merely the death of an elderly former politician is likely to have been a terrible act of violence. If that is indeed what happened, as seems likely, then it should horrify every one of us. No-one deserves to die like that. No political disagreement, however deep, can j...
