TWO rival figures in Barnet politics have forged an unlikely alliance in a bid to make sweet music and give an up and coming band from the area a chance to help their career.

Hendon MP Matthew Offord has enlisted the help of blogger Roger Tichborne to find an act to perform at the Rock the House event at the Houses of Parliament.

Music producer Mr Tichborne, who runs the Mill Hill Music Complex, runs the staunchly anti-council Barnet Eye website, where he frequently attacks local Tories including Mr Offord.

In recent postings Mr Tichborne described Mr Offord as “Manuel” and a “soup waiter” following a post on the MP's Twitter account about the Prime Minister asking him what the soup was in the House of Commons dining room.

Mr Tichborne also stood for the Lib Dems in Mill Hill during the council elections last May.

Mr Offord said: “Roger and I may not always share the same points of view but we are both interested in playing music and giving opportunities for young people.

“I am very pleased that he has agreed to assist local bands to enter this competition which could lead to them entering the music industry.”

The competition itself will gives band from the Hendon constituency a chance to nominate themselves to Mr Offord, who will then put forward a shortlist to top judges form the music industry.

The prize for the eventual winners includes recording time and a chance to play on the terrace of the Houses of Parliament at a reception on June 30.

Mr Tichborne added: “I'm always on the lookout for ways to help aspiring musicians. When Matthew contacted me I was delighted to be able to help.

“Music is a force for good and cuts across all sorts of boundaries, as I think Matthew and I have demonstrated here.

“We are united in our aim to make sure that the winner is from this neck of the woods.”

Nominationc close on March 31 and for more information visit www.rockthehouse.me.uk.