RICHARD Taylor, the retired doctor challenging David Lock for his Wyre Forest seat, is not without friends in the Commons.

It has emerged that one of his old classmates from the Leys School, Cambridge, is already a popular Member of Parliament.

Of course, this wouldn't normally be anything for Mr Lock to worry about.

But the Health Concern candidate's chum is no ordinary MP. He's no less than former BBC war correspondent Martin Bell - the only independent candidate to claim victory in 1997.

Could this be a worrying omen for Mr Lock?

Expect him to start sweating if his rival starts walking around in a white suit!