PM visits Lancashire on whistle-stop tour

The PM also campaigned in Ormskirk and took the opportunity to field questions about Brexit negotiations. Acknowledging that “these negotiations are going to be tough” she said: “Every vote for me and my team will strengthen my hand in these negotiations.”

She continued: “There will be 27 European countries on one side of the table. Who do they want to see standing up for Britain - me or Jeremy Corbyn?”

West Lancashire is currently held by Labour but the constituency has, in the past, been regarded as a marginal swing seat.

Labour has held control since 1992 and current MP Rosie Cooper was first elected in 2005. But Tory Ken Hind had two terms as its MP – winning at the 1983 and 1987 elections.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Corbyn has hit out at Theresa May’s Brexit negotiating strategy, warning her “megaphone” diplomacy would not get a good deal from Britain.

The Labour leader said threatening to walk away from the talks without an agreement was not a sensible way of dealing with countries responsible for half of the UK’s overseas trade.

His comments came amid weekend reports that European Commission president Jean Claude Juncker said Mrs May was from a “different galaxy” after they met last week for dinner in Downing Street.

Campaigning in Battersea, south London, Mr Corbyn said a Labour government would approach the negotiations with “respect and sense”.