Ann Widdecombe’s personal driver has paid an emotional tribute to the ex-Tory prisons minister, calling her a “great lady” who was “very comical” and “down to earth”.
Peter Horrell, who worked with Ms Widdecombe for ten years, said he s has spoken of his “absolute shock” at finding out the former MP may have been murdered.
Speaking to journalists after placing flowers in front of her house, he said Miss Widdecombe had “never mentioned any fear” for her safety and that she loved living in Haytor.
Mr Horrell said: “When I saw it yesterday, I thought she had had a heart attack or a stroke or something.
“Of course, then later it turned out it was a suspected murder. (I was) just shocked, absolute shock.”
Mr Horrell said he spoke to Miss Widdecombe’s personal assistant afterwards, who “didn’t know at that time what had happened”.
The driver said it was “very sad”, adding: “I just couldn’t believe it.”
He said he last worked with her when he drove her to Yeovil in Somerset, adding that she “always looked after me” and “made sure I had something to eat”.
Asked whether she had ever expressed any concern for her safety, he said: “Not really, she seemed quite happy living up here by herself. You never expect it, do you? Well I certainly didn’t. You know, very sad.”
Mr Horrell said Miss Widdecombe “loved” living in the area, adding: “She loved walking up on the moors and, as you know, she got a swimming pool at the back. So if she come back late or late-ish she’d always have the brandy and go for a swim.
“She was a great lady, very kind. You know, she was absolutely a privilege to take in the car, and she was funny at times.”
He added: “I like her because if you asked her a question, you’d get a direct answer. There was no mucking about. She was brilliant, absolutely brilliant.
“I thought she was a great politician. She was very strong in her views. I don’t think you’d be able to replace that sort of person, not really. Could be a little bit outspoken at times, but that was Ann.”
