Tributes have been paid to Ann Widdecombe as Reform UK opened its party conference following the former spokesperson’s death.
The devout Christian and former MP died in July after being attacked at her home in Dartmoor, Devon. Joshua Kerry, 28, has since been charged with murder.
She was a Conservative MP and minister under John Major, but later switched to the Brexit Party, which became Reform UK.
Speaking in Birmingham on Friday, party leader Nigel Farage described Widdecombe as the “best female politician in Britain since Thatcher”. He ended his remarks with “may God bless her soul”.
Andrew Rosindell MP, a friend of four decades, praised her commitment to Britain's heritage, stating she entered politics "to serve her country, defend the British nation, and stand up for the heritage and Christian foundations of these islands".
He continued: “Her first defection wasn’t political at all. It came when she became a Roman Catholic, having lost faith in the Church of England. The second came when she lost faith in the Conservative Party.”
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum when the news of Widdecombe’s death was made public. Her family have said there will be more details about a public memorial later this year.
At a Requiem Mass last month, Widdecombe was remembered for “fearlessly” upholding Christian values in public life.
Reform UK's conference has been overshadowed by a row over overseas funding, prompted by an undercover investigation featuring Christian theologian and top party strategist Dr James Orr.
Dr Orr resigned from his role as head of policy on Friday.