Esther Rantzen trounced by Labour

Esther Rantzen has failed in her bid to become MP for Luton South as the seat was held by Labour.

The That's Life star received 1,872 votes, while 28-year-old Gavin Shuker won 14,725.

Asked if she was disappointed, Ms Rantzen said: "He's a very nice young man."

Of the 12 candidates vying for the seat, Ms Rantzen came fourth, behind the three main parties.

Ms Rantzen originally announced her intention to stand against Labour MP Margaret Moran in the wake of the expenses scandal when it emerged the MP claimed £22,500 to treat dry rot at a property in Southampton - 100 miles away from her constituency.

The Labour Party subsequently barred her from standing as its candidate and instead fielded Cambridge graduate and local church leader Mr Shuker.