Election campaigns are often times when politicians like to be seen kissing cute babies – not reporters.

But Burton Mail journalist Tom Sloan became the object of former TV star Robert Kilroy-Silk's affection when the politician landed a smooch on Tom's lips while on the campaign trail in the town.

Tom gave Mr Kilroy-Silk a Marmite sandwich to celebrate Burton's tasty product.

And the politician showed his appreciation in a rather unexpected way.

Tom said: "We had a welcome gift for him which was a box of Marmite sandwiches and some Carling beer.

"He was game for it and after eating a few bites of a Marmite sandwich he gave me a kiss. I'm a big Marmite fan, but I'm not so much a fan of Robert Kilroy-Silk kissing me!

"It was very funny and he was a good laugh. It's typical of his personality and everyone lapped it up."

Sadly, the Mail's photographer at the scene wasn't able to get the picture – and Tom was satisfied with just the one kiss.

He said: "Unfortunately he leaned across our camera man when he kissed me so we couldn't get the picture – and I didn't exactly want to be kissed by Kilroy-Silk again!"