A Putting Families First statement on the death of Ann Widdecombe

We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe.

Whatever your political views, Ann was never afraid to stand up for what she believed in. In recent years, she became a powerful voice for families who felt let down by the Child Maintenance Service, speaking about the need for a fairer, more accountable system that puts children first rather than trapping parents in bureaucracy.

At Putting Families First, we know that many separated parents have experienced the frustration, inconsistency and emotional toll of a system that too often fails the very families it is meant to support. Ann was willing to raise those concerns when many others would not.

Whether you agreed with her politics or not, her determination to challenge a system she believed was failing families deserves recognition.

Our thoughts are with her family, friends and all those who knew her.

May she rest in peace.