A broadcaster who became a household name has been remembered as “one of a kind”.
Nigel Huddleston MP has paid tribute to Dame Esther Rantzen following her death, reflecting on their friendship which began ahead of the 2010 general election campaign.
Mr Huddleston said: “Esther Rantzen was one of a kind. She was a trailblazer for female broadcasters, a steadfast campaigner, and a friend.
“I first got to know Esther when I was the Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Luton South and she decided to stand as an independent candidate following the MPs’ expenses scandal.
“What should have been a straightforward Conservative-Labour contest suddenly became a media frenzy.
“Wherever Esther went, the press and television cameras followed, and I found myself thrown into the spotlight during my first attempt to enter Parliament.”
He said the two formed an immediate bond despite being political opponents.
Mr Huddleston said: “Esther and I probably should not have got on.
“She was my political opponent and her candidacy certainly did not make my chances of winning any easier.
“But, like so many people who met her, I was completely charmed by her and we got on like a house on fire from day one.”
He recalled Dame Esther’s encouragement on election night in 2010 after both failed to win.
The broadcaster told him: “Don’t worry, your time will come.”
Mr Huddleston said: “She was right.
“I was elected to Parliament in 2015 and soon afterwards Esther came to my constituency for a charity fundraising event.
“We spent a sunny September day walking around Evesham and Broadway, even stopping for an ice cream.
“Everywhere we went, people wanted to stop and speak to her.
“The world was better with Esther in it, and she will be greatly missed by everyone whose life she touched.”
