Ann Widdecombe’s close friend has shared a heartwarming email by the former politician that was forwarded by mistake. Broadcaster Iain Dale revealed that he invited Ms Widdecombe to his civil partnership 18 years ago, but was let down nicely by the former Home Office Minister who died this week.

However, Ann’s secretary accidentally forwarded her actual response, with the politician admitting she didn’t want to hurt Iain’s feelings by not attending. Ms Widdecombe was known for her socially conservative views, which put her at odds with many in the LGBTQ+ community.

Speaking on LBC, Iain revealed: “She knew my husband John very well, they got on extremely well together. John told me only last night how much he thought of her. I did invite her to our civil partnership in 2008, she declined. I didn't blame her for that because I knew her religious convictions would probably prevent her from doing so. But she let me down in a very kind way,

“Although her secretary at the time did copy me in on an email by mistake, where she said to the secretary ‘can you please decline this, I can’t be seen at a civil partnership, but I don't want to hurt Iain’.”

Iain stressed that he wasn't frustrated at the decision as he was aware of the conviction in which Ann held her beliefs.

He added: “I didn't hold it against her, why would I? I don't hold it against other people whose views I disagree with.

“It was a deeply held conviction for her that marriage was between a man and a woman., I wouldn’t break off a friendship because I disagreed with someone over a social policy view.”

Iain and Ann were friends for more than 30 years, with the radio host among those leading the tribute to the 78-year-old since her death was revealed yesterday. After the news of her death was made public, Iain posted a heartwarming message to his friend on social media.

The broadcaster said: “I say in my book that Ann Widdecombe is one of the handful of true friends I have made in politics. I am bereft at her loss.”