FOR the king of hair and botox treatments, the only bags under Herbert's eyes yesterday were the plastic ones at the checkout.

Celebrity crimper Herbert Howe and staff brought a touch of bling as the tills did ring.

The venue was M&S in Church Street - all for the love of his late mum Queenie and the charity set up in her name which helps disadvantaged kids.

"Would you like me to pack your bags, dear," one  lady was asked.

"I wish she would pack her bags," her husband retorted.

But a bag is for life, not just for Christmas, and it's been a momentous year for Herbert, who proved he had political teeth - gleaming political teeth - when he briefly ran for Mayor of Liverpool earlier this year.

Showing he can rub shoulders with the most powerful, this month the Pink One has been seen in all the political corridors, hosting two Christmas parties.

Herbert meets a selection of executive membersHerbert meets a selection of executive members at Liverpool Town Hall

This week saw the Liverpool Town Hall bash for city children in need of some Christmas cheer.

Herbert said: “Christmas is my favourite time of the year but it’s also a time to think of those less fortunate than others, which is where Queenie's Christmas charity comes in and why I put my heart and soul into the Christmas party.

“It means so much to see the joy on the children’s faces every year, I am just happy to be able to give something back to the community.”

Last week, at the House of Commons, he hosted  120 underprivileged children who were fed and watered, and entertained by the National Youth Theatre with Wirral Tory MP Esther McVey, Iain Duncan Smith and Walton MP Steve Rotherham in attendance.

The Speaker of the House, John Bercow, said it was a wonderful gesture that a Liverpool charity would come to London and hold such an event. The children had a wonderful time, all behaved and none would be sent to the Tower. 

Christmas is a time of reflection and it all could have been so different for Liverpool, if Herbert hadn't prematurely withdrawn, bringing a bit of glamour to the Mayor's office.

Indeed, not to mention an access to all areas that his political rivals could only dream about, literally, as this picture of him lounging on the Rt Hon Speaker's bed shows. 

Herbert relaxes on John Bercow's bed*Innocent face*: Herbert relaxes on John Bercow's bed