How political rivalry became lifetime Rantzen friendship

A Worcestershire MP has recalled how a political rivalry with Dame Esther Rantzen turned into a lasting friendship, following her death at the age of 86.

Nigel Huddleston first met the veteran broadcaster and Childline founder when they stood against each other in Luton South at the 2010 general election.

But what could have been an awkward relationship between political opponents instead became a friendship that continued for many years.

"Esther and I probably should not have got on," the Conservative member for Droitwich and Evesham said, adding: "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."

Dame Esther had entered the race as an independent following the MPs expenses scandal, turning what Huddleston expected to be a contest between the Conservatives and Labour into what he described as a "media frenzy".

Neither would win the seat, but Huddleston recalled a conversation between the pair as they listened to the Labour candidate being declared the winner.

"Esther turned to me and said 'don't worry, your time will come'," he said.

Five years later, Huddleston was elected to Parliament for Mid Worcestershire.

Soon afterwards, Dame Esther visited his constituency for a charity fundraising event, with the pair spending the day together in Evesham and Broadway.

"We spent a sunny September day walking around, even stopping for an ice cream," he said.

"Everywhere we went, people wanted to stop and speak to her."

Their friendship continued and the pair worked together on issues including grandparents' rights, although they did not always agree politically.

One such issue was assisted dying, for which Dame Esther became a prominent campaigner after being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in January 2023.

"We disagreed on assisted dying, but we never fell out over it," Huddleston said.

"We respected each other's views, although Esther never stopped trying to persuade me and was still sending me messages until very recently."

Paying tribute to his former political rival, Huddleston described Dame Esther as "one of a kind".

"She was a trailblazer for female broadcasters, a steadfast campaigner, and a friend," he said.

"The world was better with Esther in it, and she will be greatly missed by everyone whose life she touched - and that is an enormous number of people.

"Thanks for the memories, Esther. What a life."

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