Last week, Rebecca paid tribute to Ann Widdecombe and commented on the portrait installed in Parliament in her memory.
She said: "It was very fitting to see a portrait of Ann Widdecombe installed in Parliament in her memory yesterday.
"After the terrible circumstances of her death, it is right that she should be remembered in Parliament, where she made such an extraordinary impression.
"I was very fortunate to know Ann. She came to Castle Point to speak at a fundraiser for my first Parliamentary election campaign in 2010, and I will always remember how generous she was with her time, encouragement and advice.
"Ann was a formidable and completely unique figure in British politics, but she was also very kind to me when I was starting out.
"A fitting tribute to a truly unique parliamentarian."
