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Northern Powerhouse rules the roost at National Kebab Awards

After 2016 brought Brexit and Trump, it’s proving to be a particularly fractious time in politics. However, there are some things that can still transcend the issues of the day and bring people together — namely kebabs. On Sunday night, MPs from across the House put aside their differences as they gathered for the annual British Kebab Awards. Ben Howlett, Barry Gardner, Ruth Smeeth and Simon Danczuk were among the meat lovers who descended on the Westminster Park Plaza Hotel to celebrate the best of the kebab industry.

Notably absent from the soiree was last year’s guest of honour Jeremy Corbyn. After a by-election loss in Copeland, the Labour leader decided to give the offer of a night on the tiles a miss. Happily Simon Danczuk — who is currently suspended from Labour — did his best to make up for his one-time leader’s absence. ‘When Corbyn was here last year, he kept talking about vegetables,’ Danczuk mused.

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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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