CABINET minister William Hague said the economic recovery in East Lancashire would help Conservative MPs Andrew Stephenson and Jake Berry keep their seats at next year’s General Election.

The former Tory leader was in Colne to open the new premises of XLCR Vehicle Management in the Old Post Office on Albert Road.

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XLCR co-owner Lee Duerden said: “We are delighted to have Mr Hague here.

“We brought forward our £500,000 investment in this new headquarters because the economic recovery has started to take effect.”

Mr Stephenson, with a majority of 3,585 in Pendle, and Mr Berry, who won Rossendale and Darwen by 4,483 votes, are both prime Labour targets.

And Mr Hague pledged there would be no ‘easy ride’ for Burnley Liberal Democrat MP Gordon Birtwistle despite the coalition government.

Mr Hague said: “We are fighting every seat to win and that includes Burnley. There will no easy ride for Mr Birtwistle.

“The economic recovery is starting to spread to the North-West and East Lancashire.

“This will help our MPs Andrew Stephenson and Jake Berry get re-elected.”

Retiring Richmond MP Mr Hague denied he was unusual as a comprehensive-educated Northern Tory with a Northern seat.

He said: “I am not rare at all. The number of Northern Conservative MPs went up from 19 to 42 in 2010 and ensure that the party is in touch with matters that affect the North.

“I want to see more Conservatives elected in seats like these in East Lancashire.

“People here want economic recovery, more jobs and investment, what this government is bringing as this new office demonstrates.

“The recovery is the result of this government’s policies and people are understanding the pain was worth it.”

On Nigel Evans’ reselection by the Ribble Valley Con-servative Association after being acquitted of sexual assault charges earlier this year, Mr Hague said: “It was absolutely the right decision.

“It was a matter for the local association and they chose Nigel who has done a excellent job for his constituents as MP.”

There was a personal moment when he met Blacko artist Chris Moore who revealed his late district nurse mother Agnes cared for Mr Hague’s mum Stella in South Yorkshire.