Ann Widdecombe insists she is not a misogynist or homophobic after being slammed by CBB housemates
ANN Widdecombe has fought back at accusations she is a misogynist and homophobic after coming runner up in this year's Celebrity Big Brother.
The former MP, 70 - who was the penultimate housemate to leave the show just before Courtney Act was crowned winner - has insisted she does "not hate women" and does not "judge people by what they do in the bedroom".
In recent weeks, Ann has been slammed by former housemates Rachel Johnson and Andrew Brady over her strong views.
Rachel called her a misogynist in a piece she wrote for the Daily Mail, while Andrew branded her homophobic in an interview with the Gay Times.
However, opening up after leaving the house last night Ann insisted she was neither: "I am not a misogynist and I do not hate women.
"Equality is not about special favours or treating women differently. It is being on an absolute level playing field with men.
"That's why I'm glad a man won the competition.
"It's a stupid statement and Rachel is far from stupid."
She continued in response to Andrew's criticism: "If I were really homophobic I wouldn't have any gay friends. they would want nothing to do with me.
"I don't judge people by what they do in the bedroom. I judge people by how they are ask human beings. Are they kind?
"But I'm neither hurt, nor insulted, and I'm certainly not surprised [by Andrew's accusations]."
She added: "I explained my views to people like Shane J, and I stood by what I believed in. The public appear to like freedom of speech.
"My views on gay marriage have not changed."
Ann narrowly missed winning the competition last night after it was revealed she got just ten per cent fewer votes than Courtney Act.
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The former Tory MP won an impressive 39.50 per cent of the vote compared to Courtney's 49.34 per cent.
On leaving the show Ann debuted a new shorter hairstyle, and had an awkward interview with host Emma Willis.
Emma accidentally brought up Ann's dead cats in a cringe-worthy moment.
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