DRINKERS at the Alma Inn in Colne were in for a surprise last night when political heavyweight Boris Johnson popped in for a pint.

The top Tory visited the Laneshawbridge pub as part of a tour of the north of England. He was making the visit in support of Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson, who faces a tightly fought contest against Labour’s Azhar Ali in May to keep hold of his seat.

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Mr Johnson is just one of many senior figures from both sides of the political divide who have visited the east of the county as the long campaign notches up a gear.

He said: “Lots and lots of people are coming to this area because it’s a crucial battleground in the general election, we should make no bones about that.”

Johnson branded Ed Miliband and Ed Balls ‘the Thelma and Louise of British politics’, and said he was confident that the Conservatives could return a majority in May.

He said: “It’s looking increasing likely that we’ll get a decent majority in May, but these things can shift around quite dramatically.”

He praised Andrew Stephenson’s achievements. Mr Johnson said: “I’m here to do everything I can to support my friend Andrew Stephenson and assist in what I hope will be a successful election campaign.

“He’s a great local MP and he’s done a great job in parliament. I think he will win.”

Mr Stephenson said: “I’m delighted Boris is here. He promised to come a while back, and I’m really pleased he could come up to Pendle to help my campaign and find out about issues in the North.”

More than 150 conservative members and supporters were in the pub to meet Boris.

Matt Roberts, 19, from Barrowford said: “You don’t expect you see Boris Johnson in a pub near Colne but I think it’s great that he’s in here, and supporting the north.”