Raving Monster's mother dies

Annie Sutch, mother of Screaming Lord Sutch the founder of the Monster Raving Loony Party, has died aged 80, her family said. Mrs Sutch, who encouraged her only son to stand for Parliament and helped put together his colourful costumes, died at London's Northwick Park Hospital last week.

Lord Sutch, 56, pulled out of the general election campaign to be at his mother's side after she fell ill. Lord Sutch, whose real name is David, said: "She meant everything to me. I can't believe she has gone."