LABOUR candidate for Bexleyheath and Crayford Howard Dawber has other things on his mind besides fighting the general election.

His wife Laura gave birth to their first child yesterday after going into labour at the hustings meeting in Christ Church, Bexleyheath Broadway, on Tuesday night.

Daughter Riley was born three-and-a-half weeks early at University College Hospital and weighed in at 5lb 9oz.

Mr Dawber said he hopes to come a comfortable second to Tory David Evennett in the seat and put it within striking distance for Labour.

He added: "But who knows.”