HAVING the local MP in his cover picture seemed like a good idea when Brian James launched a charity calendar.

However, the musician believes that Maria Miller’s presence is striking the wrong note with voters as he is having trouble shifting his remaining stock.

Singer Brian has already raised £1,100 for BBC’s Children in Need after selling copies of the £5 Basingstoke-themed calendar around the borough.

The calendar features images of buskers around the town centre and the singer with noticeable faces, including Mrs Miller.

Brian, from Fountains Close, in Popley, Basingstoke, believes the expenses saga and anger among Basingstoke residents has hampered his attempts to sell the remaining 50 calendars.

He told The Gazette: “They (the public) won’t buy it because she is on the front, and it is a bit annoying really. It was going so well. I wish I had never put her on the front now.

“I will try and push ahead but no-one will buy them. I will be emailing her and I will be asking for £250 because I am stuck with them.”