Widdecombe to share life story (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Widdecombe to share life story

LARGER than life Tory politician and novelist Ann Widdecombe brings her show to Swindon Arts Centre on Tuesday, October 21 at 7.30pm.

Ann Widdecombe began her political life as a Runnymede councillor and went on to become a minister of state and shadow home secretary. Elected to parliament for Maidstone in 1987, she worked her way up to become Minister of State at the Department of Employment and the Home Office. In July 1997, she was appointed to the Standards and Privileges House of Commons Select Committee.

In July 2001 she announced her decision to step down from the shadow cabinet, so as to be able to speak freely on issues without the constraints which being a front bencher necessarily imposes.

She also wanted to devote more time to her elderly mother and her writing career. Her first novel, The Clematis Tree, became a best seller and her second, An Act of Treachery, was published in 2002.

Ann will be joined on stage by author and political commentator Iain Dale with whom she will answer questions and share anecdotes.

A Theatre Supper can be booked at the Arts Centre for immediately after the performance. The meals need to be pre-booked and the choice sounds mouth watering - pork and leek sausages with mustard mash, onion gravy and red cabbage or roasted peppers stuffed with rice, mushroom and tomato sauce - and excellent value at £7.50.

Optional desserts, coffee and cold drinks will be available, payable on the night. Tickets from the box office on 01793 614837.