TWO former MPs returned to their old stomping grounds in last-ditch attempts to woo voters ahead of the General Election today.

Labour's John Hutton, who held the Barrow constituency from 1992 to 2010, returned to his old consistency to show his support for candidate John Woodcock.

During the visit Lord Hutton campaigned with other party activists at Barrow's BAE Systems.

MORE TOP STORIES:

He said he believed that once again the shipyard will play a key factor in the vote.

He said: "Thirty years ago Barrow Labour MP Albert Booth lost his seat and it was about jobs in the shipyard. I've no doubt at all that is the issue on people's minds when they vote on Thursday.

"I think the best way to defend job security in the yard is to have John arguing for us; he puts local issues before party issues. One thing I learnt in all my time in politics is people have far more respect for an MP who is prepared to say the difficult things and speak up for people locally rather than just toe the party line."

Mr Woodcock added: "We have both reminded people that shipyard jobs are safe irrespective of the result on Thursday. Last year’s vote in parliament put the Trident renewal programme past the point of no return and Furness can look forward to decades of economic stability in this regard.

"The Conservatives are going to win this election nationally, so the choice for voters in Barrow and Furness is who is going to stand up for them locally."

Meanwhile, Westmorland and Lonsdale Conservative hopeful James Airey was joined by a former Tory MP as he campaigned in Sedbergh this week.

Lord Michael Jopling, who represented Westmorland and Lonsdale for over thirty years, said: “The Brexit negotiations are set to begin just a few days after we vote so we need a local MP who can stand shoulder to shoulder with Theresa May to get best possible deal for our area.”

“For too long Westmorland has missed the benefit of having an MP in Government. This election is the opportunity to change that, by electing James Airey to support a Theresa May led Government.”