FEISTY MP Ann Widdecombe hit out at the burden of business regulation when she opened Kent’s newest offices.

Miss Widdecombe, who has said she will almost certainly stand down as MP for Maidstone and the Weald before the next General Election, claimed that people were being crushed by red tape.

Speaking to more than 100 guests gathered for the official opening of Tolherst Court in Turkey Mill, Maidstone, she said: "Too many people are being crushed and vision is being crushed by the immense burden of regulation."

She was applauded when she added: "Common sense has gone out of the window and over-interpretation has come in."

She claimed that while French officials might turn a European regulation into a two-page document, British civil servants gave it 42 pages.

After claiming that the Tory Party was potty for not electing Ken Clarke to lead them, she hailed the new building.

"It really is a tribute to all those who have been involved."

Turkey Mill Investments has paid £2.5 million for Tolherst Court which will be home to several businesses and 150 people.

Tom Sheldon, director and estate manager, described Tolherst Court as a unique building for a unique site. Built by E S Gransden, the office’s eight units each has its own entrance.

Clydesdale Bank and insurance broker McMurdo Potipher Webb have taken space in the new building.