HOME Secretary Theresa May came to open a new factory in East Lancashire and identified the boss’s 16-year-old daughter as a possible successor.

She was welcomed to J and J Ormerod’s new £1.3 million unit off Bochholt Way in Rawtenstall by co-owners Stephen and Lee Greenhalgh.

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The Tory Cabinet minister hailed the new Victoria Works, creating 40 jobs, as an example of the success of the government’s economic plan.

She was introduced to Lee’s 16-year-old daughter Ebony, campaigning in Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar Schools mock elections for Conservative candidate Ben Donaldson.

A delighted Mrs May told her: “We need more women in politics.”

After a long chat, she said: “I was delighted to meet Ebony.

“It’s always good to meet a young person so interested in politics and particularly good to see a female interested in Conservative politics.

“I would hope to inspire her to become an MP, possibly a Cabinet minister or even Home Secretary,” she said.

Ebony said: “It was lovely to meet Mrs May.

“She was charming. I hope to go into marketing or advertising initially but might now consider being an MP afterwards.”

Tackled on the arrest of two Blackburn teenagers for alleged terrorism-related offences, Mrs May said the information would be considered by a new Home Office terrorism analysis unit.

The firm is co-owned by Stephen and Lee Greenhalgh and Gillian Burke.