THE long-standing Maidstone and Weald MP Ann Widdecombe has confirmed she is to quit politics at the next election.

The MP, who has become one of the best-known parliamentary figures over her career and once pitched to become party leader, has represented Maidstone for two decades.

She had previously made clear that she intended to stand down as an MP but had sigalled her willingness to continue if there had been a snap election.

Gordon Brown's announcement at the weekend means she has been able to confirm her desire to leave Parliament.

In a statement, the 60-year-old said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have made the last 20 years so rewarding and especially the officers and members of Maidstone Conservative Association."

Her decision will trigger a selection process for a new prospective candidate for the Conservatives within weeks.

It is understood the constituency association is keen to adopt a prospective candidate before Christmas. The prospect of succeeding such a high-profile MP is guaranteed to attract considerable interest among Conservative hopefuls.

Ann, who has said she would like to retire to Dartmoor, secured a fifth term as MP in 2005 and increased her majority to 14,856 making it the safest Conservative-held seat in the county.