ANN WIDDECOMBE is set to be made a Freeman of the Borough of Maidstone when she steps down from Parliament.

Miss Widdecombe (Con) was praised for her hard work and commitment to her constituency by members of all political groups at Maidstone council.

She has represented Maidstone and the Weald for 20 years, but is widely expected not to stand at the next General Election.

The honour for Miss Widdecombe was proposed by Cllr Paulina Stockell (Con).

She said: "There can be few more deserving of this honour than Ann Widdecombe who, since elected in May 1987, has worked tirelessly on behalf of her constituents in all sections of the community."

Miss Widdecombe said: "Never could an MP have asked for a better constituency to represent."