Ann Widdecombe to stand down as MP - News - Evening Standard
       

Ann Widdecombe to stand down as MP

Former prisons minister Ann Widdecombe today confirmed she will stand down at the next general election.

Miss Widdecombe, 60, who has been an MP for 20 years, will not seek re-election in the seat of Maidstone and the Weald.

The Tory MP, who famously said Michael Howard had "something of the night about him", confirmed she would not stand again following the Prime Minister's announcement that there will be no general election this year.

Miss Widdecombe 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."

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