SOME people are born winners, others become winners and some are just lucky.

Worcester Labour MP Mike Foster seems to fit into at least one of these categories.

Hastings and Rye Labour MP Mike Foster may feel he doesn't.

Ford held a reception at the Aquarium in the old GLC building across the Thames from Parliament this week.

MPs were entered into a draw for a five-door, two-litre Ford Focus to auction off or raffle for a charity of their choice.

Hurling insults

Mr Foster (Worcester) popped into the reception, but then went back to his office to tidy up his papers so he could make a quick getaway to his constituency on Wednesday night.

Both Mr Foster (Worcester) and Mr Foster (Hastings) had their name in the draw.

When he (Mr Foster - Hastings) entered he said 'I've got a lucky feeling about this,' says Mr Foster (Worcester).

He stayed and waited for the draw and indeed his name was called out but unfortunately not his constituency. Mr Foster (Worcester) was unaware that he was the lucky winner of the car.

But when he went to vote in the Commons at 10pm, he found out within seconds.

All my women colleagues were saying congratulations and what are you going to do with it?" Mr Foster (Worcester) adds.

"All my male colleagues just came up to me, hurling insults at me, saying I was lucky.

Their language may have been slightly more colourful than that.

Mr Foster now has to decide what to do with the car. He is quick to point out it won't be used for the Mike Foster Benevolent Fund, the Mike Foster Skiing Expedition Society, or the Mike Foster Seat at Worcestershire County Cricket Club Fund.

Worthy causes

There are lots of worthy causes. I'll have to talk to Ford about what the rules are and how they want to see it done, he says.

And as for Mr Foster (Hastings).

He can only dream of the votes he may have won from being the star auctioneer of a plush car for charity.