Former Conservative minister turned Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ann Widdecombe will give West of England financial directors and accountants an insight into General Election when she speaks at a major business event next week.
Bath-born Ms Widdecombe, pictured, is guest speaker at the ICAEW West of England Annual Dinner in Bristol, which is sponsored by regional law firm Thrings and Lloyds Bank. 
The event is one of the largest business gatherings in the region and attracts many guests from Swindon and Wiltshire.
An MP for 10 years, Ms Widdecombe served as prisons minister under Prime Minister John Major and later held the Home Office and health portfolios in opposition.
Since leaving politics, she has become a novelist and made a number of TV and radio appearances, ranging from Celebrity Fit Club and Have I Got News For You to Strictly.
ICAEW West of England president Ed Corrigan said: “We are delighted that Ann will be speaking at our annual dinner, particularly as it is only a month before the General Election, which promises to be one of the closest ever seen. I am sure she will be providing some inside track on what goes on in the lead up to an election.”
Simon Holdsworth, managing partner of Thrings, which has its largest office in Swindon, said: “Businesses in the South West have been buoyed by ever-improving economic conditions over the past 12 months, and this has led to a growing number of prominent professional services firms choosing the West Country as their preferred business destination.
“Thrings has been a long-term partner of the ICAEW in the West of England, and the firm is very pleased to be supporting what looks set to be an extremely enjoyable and interesting evening.
“With the General Election on the horizon, business leaders from across the South West will have the chance to hear a renowned and respected political figure discuss the key issues which could determine the outcome on May 7 as well as engage in plenty of healthy debate with their professional colleagues.
“The evening will also provide an opportunity for firms to restate their commitment to working with, and supporting, businesses across the region amid this period of potentially significant political, economic and legislative change.”
Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking area director Clive Hetherington added: “We’re proud to continue our 10-year sponsorship of the ICAEW West of England annual dinner. With the General Election campaign well underway, this year’s event comes at a time when there’s no shortage of talking points within the financial business community as parties continue to outline their ideas and policies in the run-up to May 7.
“As one of the most experienced and popular figures in politics, Ann Widdecombe promises to offer a huge amount of insight into life in and around Westminster, and we’re very much looking forward to hearing her views ahead of polling day.”
The dinner, which is fully booked, takes place at At-Bristol on Bristol Harbourside next Thursday.
