Zac Goldsmith has delayed his live biscuit webchat with Mumsnet – but Labour MP Dan Jarvis steps in
It's been a politically charged week at Mumsnet HQ.
The Highgate-based mothering website received a visit from Labour mayoral hopeful Sadiq Khan on Monday, being quizzed everything from London's housing crisis to his favourite type of biscuit (chocolate Hobnobs, FYI).
Khan isn't the only candidate in the mayoral race trying to woo the capital's maternal population. Tory hopeful Zac Goldsmith was meant to pop over to the website's head office this morning for a second biscuit-based chat (Mumsnet's answer to Morning Wire's mayoral hustings).
Imagine the disappointment on mothers' faces today, then, when the website announced that Richmond's Prince Charming has had to make a last-minute cancellation. Goldsmith's debate will instead take place on Wednesday morning.
However Labour MP and former British Army Major Dan Jarvis stepped into the breach, answering questions on big issues like winter fuel allowance, marathon training and, of course, biscuits.
The army veteran's biscuit of choice is a bit tougher than your average cookie.
Jarvis said: "I was in the army for 15 years and over that time I ate many army ration packs. Contained within the ration pack was a small packet of Garibaldi biscuits, which came in their own special green silver foil wrapper (they were described as "biscuits fruit")."
"Those biscuits kept me going on more than one occasion, so they would have to be my favourite."
Khan is the bookies' favourite to succeed Boris Johnson at City Hall on 5 May. Is Goldsmith concerned his campaign is beginning to crumble, as voters appear quick to criticise him at every turn?
Perhaps there are concerns he'll bite off more than he can chew in agreeing to step up to the Mumsnet plate.
One question for the Richmond MP submitted in advance simply asks "how much of your wealth is hidden in offshore tax havens", while another points to an interview with Grazia magazine where Goldsmith said he is not a feminist.
Maybe the Tory hopeful is just trying to think of a favourite biscuit to mention that will appease Mumsnet users. Pink wafers, perhaps?