It must have seemed like a great idea for TV historian Tristram Hunt to plan to give a talk in the Redbridge Book and Media Festival at Wanstead Library. He was, after all, talked about as a possible prospective Labour party candidate in the very safe Labour Leyton and Wanstead seat. And the event was planned for just days before the expected date of the general election – a perfect opportunity to speak to prospective constituents about the life of Friedrich Engels, the subject of his latest book.
Things didn’t turn out quite like that – John Cryer won the nomination, and Mr Hunt instead turned his ambitions towards Stoke on Trent, where he is hoping to succeed former Labour minister Mark Fisher.
The posters advertising the event at Wanstead Library now have “CANCELLED” across them.