By political editor Paul Francis

Ann Widdecombe MP has told of her "profound relief" at leaving Parliament at the election.

The Maidstone and Weald MP, one of five Kent MPs standing down, spoke out about her feelings during her farewell speech to the Commons.

She said MPs have been "vilified" because of the expenses scandal and subjected to a "welter of public vituperation".

Reflecting on her 23-year-long Parliamentary career, she said she "always imagined that when I was making my last speech and about to depart, that I would be sad".

But she went on: "Instead of which I find my uppermost sentiment is one of profound relief."

She hoped the election of a new Parliament would bring "some calmness and respect" to Westminster.

Despite the recent scandals, she said most MPs made "some degree of sacrifice" in terms of family or finance, to serve in Parliament.

"I do sincerely hope that future generations of members of this House will be able to serve in an atmosphere free of the welter of public vituperation and vilification that this Parliament has been confronted with," she said during a Budget debate on the Budget.

Ms Widdecombe said she hoped new MPs would be allowed to get on with their jobs in a less hostile environment.

"My hope for the future is that some calmness and respect will again prevail," she said.