Dobson leaves dinner guests disappointed

Frank Dobson, the Labour candidate for London mayor, disappointed organisers of a hospitality industry gala dinner last week by failing to turn up.

Dobson was to be the guest speaker at the dinner of the Hospitality & Technology Exhibition, held at London's wine and restaurant venue Vinopolis last week.

Dobson's office hastily arranged for another speaker to take his place. A spokesman said: "Something personal came up the day before."

However, Dobson did show up for a visit to the Butlers Wharf Chef School the following day.