My View: Widdecombe's opinions are as out of step with reality as her dancing

Recently, in my admittedly rather addled weekend brain, she has taken on the persona of a po-faced but kindly character comedy actress from the black-and-white Ealing days, a mixture of Miss Marple, St Trinian's school mistress and panto dame. Harmless old dear, really.

Then, I turn on the TV on Sunday morning and there she is, railing against Government proposals to encourage breast-feeding in the work place.

This, it seems, is not the approach she expects from a Conservative-led Government. "I could absolutely weep," she told BBC1's Andrew Marr Show.

"Now we have got the state actually saying to employers, in a time of recession, you must provide paid breaks, paid facilities, a special fridge for expressed milk and goodness knows what else for women returning to work who have decided, on their responsibility, presumably, to have a child."

It was that phrase – "decided, on their responsibility, presumably, to have a child". It spoke of such contempt for all the women who try, often with great difficulty, to create and raise children while also going out to work to bring in the money necessary to do just that.

It showed no understanding whatsoever of how tough the life of a working mother can be – tough for those fortunate enough to have a wage-earning husband or partner who shares the child care. But for single working mothers, and those with non-earning partners or those who refuse to look after children (and for some, both applies), it's a wonder they get through the day without collapse.

Does Ann Widdecombe not realise that many women return to work soon after their baby is born because they simply cannot afford not to? Obviously not. She complains that, especially in a recession, employers should not be expected to provide breaks and fridges to make breast-feeding possible, but this is precisely when and why employers should be making it easier for new mums (who need the money more than ever) to come back to work.

On the whole, working mothers are excellent employees who appreciate their job, work with efficiency and skill, and are prepared to show loyalty and flexibility in return for being treated with respect and understanding.

I doubt Ann Widdecombe could understand this. The problem with Widdy, it is becoming clear, is that she doesn't want to understand anything. Each week Anton Du Beke comes up with inspired comedy dance routines for her. Each week, the judges try to give her pointers on how to improve, but she seems more interested in interrupting, attacking and point scoring than in listening and learning.

It's the politics of ignorance, arrogance and intolerance and I for one have had enough of it.

It's time to pack up, Widdy.