Matt Vickers left 'hugely devastated' as he pays tribute to 'titan' Ann Widdecombe

Shadow Illegal Immigration Minister Matt Vickers has paid tribute to Ann Widdecombe after her death aged 78.

Speaking to GB News, Mr Vickers said: "She would be entirely unafraid to take me on - in fact, she did several times privately. I think it is a devastating day. I am hugely devastated by the news, and she was a titan of British politics.

"She was an incredible public servant and parliamentarian. There are few people in the world as forthright and there are very few people in the world who are as unafraid to share their forthright opinions.

"I remember first coming across Ann as a youngster, flicking on the television and seeing this incredibly strong woman, incredibly passionate woman, and as time went on, I got to know her. We hosted her in the constituency numerous times. She was a woman who was very generous with her time and an inspiring type of character.

"But actually, when you meet some of these people in public life, you see what they're like in front of the camera and you see what they like when the camera goes down, and sometimes that's different. That wasn't the case with Ann.

"She was every bit as witty, as entertaining, as genuine, as authentic, and is unafraid to share her view of the world. The world will be much sadder place without Ann Widdecombe."

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