TRIBUTES have been paid to a “one of a kind” woman described as a “trailblazing broadcaster, campaigner and friend”.
Nigel Huddleston MP has paid tribute to Dame Esther Rantzen, who died yesterday (Wednesday) aged 86.
The MP first met her in 2009, when they were both candidates in Luton South ahead of the 2010 General Election.
Mr Huddleston was the Conservative candidate, while Dame Esther stood as an independent after the MPs’ expenses scandal.
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Although they were political opponents, he said they became close friends and stayed in contact for many years.
Nigel Huddleston MP said: “Esther Rantzen was one of a kind.
“She was a trailblazer for female broadcasters, a steadfast campaigner, and a friend.”
The contest became a major media story, with Dame Esther attracting press and television coverage.
Mr Huddleston said he was pushed into the spotlight during his first attempt to enter Parliament.
MP Huddleston and Dame Rantzen were good friends. (Image: MP Huddleston)
“Esther and I probably should not have got on,” he added.
“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.”
Mr Huddleston said Dame Esther taught him to speak in public and work with the media.
Both candidates lost the election, but their friendship continued.
Who is Dame Esther?
Dame Esther became a household name in the UK during her time on the BBC; she was best known for presenting That’s Life! – a programme featuring a mix of investigations, topical issues and entertainment – from 1973 to 1994.
Alongside her successful career as a journalist and broadcaster, she also set up children’s charity Childline in 1986.
Dame Esther created Childline to help offer counselling and support for children and young people in the UK up until the age of 19, in 2006 the charity became part of The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).
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They also worked together in Parliament on issues including grandparents’ rights.
They disagreed about assisted dying but respected each other’s views.
Paying tribute to his 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.”