The Conservative Party has denied this offer was ever made. Ms Widdecombe also suggested many other Conservatives have tried to deter her from standing. The MEP for South West England told LBC’s Andrew Pierce she did not know exactly what the role offered would have involved.
Ann Widdecombe said: “I received a call from Number 10 and I was offered ‘a role in the negotiations’ if I stood down.
“No offer could ever be made to anybody without it being sanctioned. You can’t have individuals going off on their own and offering things.”
The LBC host asked: “Were they clear what it would be?
“Do you think it meant you would be joining the negotiating team in Brussels doing battle with the EU Commission because you’re in Brussels as an MEP?”
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She replied: “Do you know, I haven’t a notion because I wouldn’t pursue.
“So I haven’t a notion what was meant but I quote ‘a role in the negotiations’ related twice.”
Mr Pierce then said: “Do they know you well, this person who called?
“Because I’ve known you for over 20 years and you’re not really the sort who can be buttered up?”
“If I was in a senior position and Number 10 – and this person was senior – and someone suggested ringing up Anne Widdecombe to make her an offer, I’d have said ‘Don’t do it’.
“It’s a massive loss of judgement.
“They’re actually denying it! I think somebody wants to put a microphone under Boris’s nose and say to him ‘Are you saying Anne Widdecombe’s telling lies?’
“Because I would swear on the good book to what happened and yet Boris is denying it.”
