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January 7, 2016

Telegraph journalist Dan Hodges runs through Westminster in his pants

By Dominic Ponsford

Daily Telegraph political columnist  Dan Hodges ran through a rainy Westminster in his pants after losing a bet.

The 46-year-old ran from Trafalgar Square in London and down Whitehall in nothing but trainers and a pair of black Calvin Klein underpants as a forfeit for underestimating Ukip's influence during last year's general election.

In May 2015 he tweeted: "If Ukip break 6 per cent I'll streak down Whitehall" – but the party managed a share of the vote of more than 12 per cent.

Hodges completed the run in 3.37 minutes, despite a bookmaker taking bets on where he might get arrested along the way.

Arriving at Parliament Square he said: "I actually feel invigorated, more people should consider naked running.

"Perhaps next time we can turn it into a mass charity flash streak."

The sponsored runraised more than £1,000 for Terence Higgins Trust and Elizabeth's Legacy of Hope, through donations from Ladbrokes and an online page.

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