A MAN vying to be MP was banned from speaking about politics at a charity event.

Luckily for Labour hopeful Mike Hobday, charity is a subject he knows lots about.

Speaking at the Mixed Group’s cheese and wine evening, Mr Hoday, who works as head of policy for Macmillan Cancer Support, was able to entertain the gathered crowds.

Mr Hobday, who is often called upon as the charity’s spokesman, has supported the WGC-based Mixed Group for a number of years.

He said: “I do have a life outside politics, but it’s nerve-wracking to have people paying good money to hear you talk.

“It’s a fairly small charity, and I work in my day job at Macmillan Cancer Support, which is a really big charity.

“Essentially all charities are doing the same thing, using volunteer energy to make the world a better place.

“That’s what Sean Cox and the Mixed Group do to give lonely and elderly people a good Christmas Day.”

The event raised more than �500, with one guest who was celebrating her birthday asking friends to donate to the charity rather than buy presents, pushing the pot up to more than �650.