Leadership contest and backbenches Ann Widdecombe

widdecombe in 2006

during 2001 conservative leadership election, not find sufficient support amongst conservative mps leadership candidacy. first supported michael ancram, eliminated in first round, , kenneth clarke, lost in final round. afterwards declined serve in iain duncan smith s shadow cabinet (although indicated on television programme when louis met..., prior leadership contest, wished retire backbenches anyway).

in 2005 leadership election, supported kenneth clarke again. once eliminated, turned support towards liam fox. following fox s subsequent elimination, took time reflect before declaring david davis. expressed reservations on eventual winner david cameron, feeling did not, other candidates, have proven track record, , later leading figure in parliamentary opposition a-list policy, has said insult women . @ october 2006 conservative conference, chief dragon in political version of television programme dragons den, in a-list candidates invited put forward policy proposal, torn apart team of rachel elnaugh, oliver letwin , michael brown.

in interview metro in september 2006 stated if parliament of normal length, retire @ next general election. confirmed intention stand down observer s pendennis diary in september 2007, , again in october 2007 after prime minister gordon brown quashed speculation of autumn 2007 general election.

in november 2006, moved house of islington labour councillor experience life on council estate, response experience being 5 years ago made speech in house of commons forgotten decents. have spent last week on estates in islington area finding out still forgotten.

widdecombe 1 of 98 mps voted keep expense details secret. when expenses claims leaked, however, widdecombe described daily telegraph 1 of saints amongst mps.

in may 2009, following resignation of michael martin speaker of house of commons, reported widdecombe gathering support election interim speaker until next general election. on 11 june 2009, confirmed bid speaker. made through second ballot came last , eliminated.

widdecombe retired politics @ 2010 general election. rumoured conservative candidate police , crime commissioner in 2012, refused. has since spoken opposition coalition government , surprise @ not being given peerage david cameron.

in 2016, backed britain s withdrawal european union during 2016 eu referendum and, following resignation of david cameron, endorsed andrea leadsom in candidacy election leadership of governing conservative party.