Blur drummer Dave Rowntree has lost his chance to become a Labour Councillor in London.

The sticksman was beaten in a Westminster City Council poll by Conservative candidate Mehfuz Ahmed, securing 652 votes to Mr Ahmed's 955.

The unlikely defeat in The Church Street ward saw a traditional Labour stronghold go back to the Tory party.

It's the second time that Rowntree has failed to preside on a council, having come third in a by-election last year.

Since Blur parted for an indefinite hiatus, Rowntree has been extremely active. As well as his involvement in politics he is studying to become a barrister and has set up his own animation company Nanomation.

(by Scott Colothan)