A Conservative MP has expressed his admiration for the late Ann Widdecombe, who passed away on July 8.

Mel Stride, the Conservative representative for Central Devon, was present at the requiem mass held at Buckfast Abbey in Devon and called the ceremony emotionally significant.

He remarked that the weather was sunny for her, describing her as an exceptional woman who would be greatly missed by many.

Approximately one hundred people came together at the Catholic abbey in Devon, a place Miss Widdecombe referred to as her sanctuary.

Ann Widdecombe passed away on July 8 at her residence in Haytor on Dartmoor in Devon.

A 28-year-old individual named Joshua Kerry, originally from Rotherham, has been accused of her killing.

Among those present were former Conservative justice minister Crispin Blund and broadcaster Iain Dale.

Mr Dale published a commemorative piece on LBC’s website, sharing his hope of reuniting with her in the afterlife.

A security perimeter was established around Ann Widdecombe’s residence in Haytor.

The funeral proceedings continued for about ninety minutes.

Officers from the police force, accompanied by detection dogs, were observed examining the area prior to the commencement of the service.

The Right Reverend David Charlesworth, Abbot of Buckfast, delivered the sermon.

He stated that amid the shock, controversy and sometimes inappropriate remarks that followed her passing, the appropriate response was to offer prayers for her soul, express gratitude for her strength and celebrate Holy Mass in this Abbey Church which Ann regarded as her refuge.

Here they prayed that she had finally been embraced by the Risen Christ, where genuine love and serenity prevail, and where she would hear the Lord’s blessing of approval for her faithful service.

A previous statement from the abbey described Miss Widdecombe as a woman of deep religious conviction, a faith she expressed through her involvement in public political life.

Miss Widdecombe initially entered Parliament representing the Conservative party in Kent in 1987.

During the 1990s she held the position of prisons minister and subsequently served as a Member of the European Parliament representing the Brexit Party.

At the time of her passing, she was acting as Reform UK’s spokesperson on immigration and legal affairs.

Her fame extended beyond politics, with appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was not present at the funeral.

He intends to participate in a public memorial service for Miss Widdecombe scheduled for later in the year.

Mr Farage referred to her on X as a remarkable woman who made a significant impact on British political life.

He further stated that she would be deeply missed.