Edwina Curry, the outspoken former MP who recently relaunched herself as a writer of raunchy novels, joined one of her childhood friends to talk about the past, present and future of the Conservative party in front of 70 Hendon Conservatives.

Linda Schama of Sherwood Road, knew Mrs Curry when they were both growing up in neighbouring Liverpool streets.

On Wednesday Linda's old friend was the star of a packed fundraising event at the home of her and her husband Brian.

Mr Schama said: "She was a wonderful entertainer who kept her audience gripped with her tales of life as a minister, the General Election and the future of the party. She's a very good speaker, a good communicator who speaks with her hands and expressions."

Mrs Curry told assembled Tories that although Ken Clarke rather than William Hague would have been her choice of leader, she thought Hague was under-valued and sure to come into his own.

Mrs Schama added: "The evening was tremendous fun and raised nearly £400. I like to think that she enjoyed herself too because when she finished speaking at 9.30pm we offered to call her a taxi. But she said 'oh, can't I stay' and then chatted to everyone until about 11pm."

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