FORMER Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe will be the guest speaker at a fundraising lunch for Macmillan Cancer Support in Hope Cove in April.

The Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe DSG was the MP for Maidstone and The Weald for ten years, served as Minister of State for Prisons while John Major was Prime Minister and then as Shadow Secretary for the Home Office and Health.

Since leaving politics, Ann Widdecombe has become a novelist and made a number of TV and radio appearances, including taking part in ITV’s Celebrity Fit Club, hosting Have I Got News For You and being a contestant in BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing.

Julie Thompson, from the Kingsbridge and Salcombe Fundraising Committee of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “With more than 20 years at the centre of politics and despite being ‘retired’, she is in constant demand, so we are very lucky and grateful to Ann Widdecombe for giving up her time to come and speak to us.”

Ann Widdecombe said: “I am looking forward to speaking at the forthcoming lunch in support of such a worthwhile cause.”

The lunch will be held at the Cottage Hotel, Hope Cove on Wednesday, April 19, 12.30 for 1.00 pm.

Tickets for the lunch are available by calling Julie Thompson on 01548 561868.