Mark Spencer - An evening with Ann

At a packed meeting at Southwell recently, Ann Widdecombe gave an exhilarating and humorous talk about her 40 years spent in politics. Having spent time as a Runnymeade District Councillor Ann entered the commons in 1987 and rose to hold some of the highest offices one being Minister of State of the Home Office she was responsible for Prisons and Immigration. Now after 22 years in Parliament Ann is looking forward to ‘retirement’ in Devon from where she will devote her time to writing and taking part in TV and Radio programmes.

The members of the audience were told how the role of an MP had changed considerably over recent years. Debate in the House of Commons has been eroded by this Labour government because of their use of the guillotine on all legislation which is stifling proper scrutiny and debate. Backbench MP’s have lost their ability to question the government properly and raise matters for debate. Parliament has lost its democracy because back bench MP’s have little affect on government decisions. Hence we all suffer from poorly drawn legislation and over bureaucracy. It will be up to an incoming, and hopefully a Conservative government, to redress the democratic balance.

Mark said ‘it was a privilege to met and talk with Ann. Any one who has watched her on the BBC Question Time programme will know that she is not backward in giving advice and has a formidable supply of commonsense. I am sure the advice she gave me on keeping faith with my guiding principles will hold me in good stead throughout my political career’.