Image source, House of CommonsThe photo, taken by Nick Ray in 2010, has been erected in Portcullis House on the parliamentary estate
ByEwan SomervillePolitical reporter
A portrait of Ann Widdecombe has been erected in Parliament to remember the former MP, who was found dead with serious head injuries last month.
The picture of the ex-Conservative minister was put up on Tuesday in Portcullis House, where many MPs’ offices are located, in time for the return from summer recess next week.
It forms part of ongoing talks about a fitting memorial for the minister turned Reform UK spokeswoman, who died aged 78 after being found in her Devon home. Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with murder.
Helen Grant, Widdecombe’s successor as MP for the area of Maidstone in Kent, said the portrait was “the start of a lasting tribute to Ann”.
“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 said.
Work is underway “to explore a more permanent commemoration on the Parliamentary estate”, she added.
The chosen photograph was taken in 2010 in the Cloister Corridor of the Palace of Westminster.
Image source, PA MediaAnn Widdecombe’s funeral took place in the abbey in Devon where she worshipped regularly
It is understood the portrait will remain in the coming weeks, while discussions continue among MPs and parliamentary authorities about a permanent fixture.
Widdecombe served as MP for Maidstone and The Weald for more than two decades until 2010.
Grant campaigned before MPs left Westminster for the summer recess for a memorial plaque to be installed in Parliament for Widdecombe, as was the case for former MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, after they were killed while in office.
A shield commemorating Sir David was installed in 2023 a couple of seats away from where he used to sit in the chamber.
Widdecombe’s funeral was held earlier this month at Buckfast Abbey in Devon, which she described as her “safe haven”, attended by about 100 family, friends and former colleagues.
Reform UK’s leader Nigel Farage did not attend the service, reportedly to avoid being a distraction, but he is said to be planning to visit a public memorial later this year.
Widdecombe’s family are expected to release more details about the public memorial shortly.
Kerry is due to stand trial for murder in June 2027.
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