Laverne's mother aims to be MP

Lauren Laverne's mother is in the running to become an MP.

The former Kenickie star's mother Cecilia Gofton is a front runner in the race to replace Sunderland MP Chris Mullin, who has announced his retirement.

The Labour councillor confirmed she was on a shortlist of three candidates for the new Sunderland Central seat at the next General Election.

The Culture Show presenter's mother threw her hat into the ring after Labour decided to make the constituency an all-female shortlist as part of its drive to get more women into the House of Commons.

The candidate will be chosen in a vote next Saturday.

Laverne, 30, who grew up in Sunderland and has been linked online with the role of the new Dr Who, has a one-year-old son with husband DJ Graeme Fisher.