LANCASTER MP Hilton Dawson (pictured) is in line to win an award as the Labour Party's biggest creep. National newspaper The Guardian has entered the MP for their title of "Most Nauseatingly Sycophantic New Labour MP." Mr Dawson qualified as a result of a speech in the House of Commons in which he praised government minister David Clark for his "skill and dedication that he has brought to the public service and for the knowledge and commitment he has demonstrated in his unique role in relation to the Crown, the State and Lancaster." He then expressed his delight with Tony Blair for ruling out the abolition of the title of Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

The MP's nomination was bolstered by the response of Tory opponent and former Minister Nicholas Soames who spoke of "...the truly repulsive sycophancy of the question from the Honourable Member for Lancaster and Wyre."

But Mr Dawson hit back arguing he would do whatever it takes to promote Lancaster even if it meant being called a creep.

He said: "I'm not interested in spurious awards of this kind, but I make no apology for shamelessly promoting the city of Lancaster at every opportunity I get. Sycophantic, me? If it brings Lancaster to the national stage, to the attention of Ministers and the media and helps to promote our city as a centre of excellence then I'm happy to plead guilty as charged.

"Frankly, there's little I wouldn't do to promote Lancaster. It's great."

If Mr Dawson wins he will be depicted by famous Guardian cartoonist Steve Bell.

Asked if he would mind Mr Dawson laughed: "I have much admired the work of Steve Bell over the years, especially the biting attacks he made on the Tories during the Thatcher years. However, I must admit to being a little apprehensive about the prospect of being on the receiving end.

"Anyway I don't think I'll win, there's too much strong competition!"

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