SHADOW Chancellor John McDonnell ‘came home’ to East Lancashire today to underline Labour’s commitment to invest in the North of England.

He visited Nelson and Colne College where his grandson Fintan studied before going to Newcastle University.

Mr McDonnell - who lived in Colne Barnoldswick and Padiham while working in factories including Mullards and Silentnight in the 1960s and 70s - was on a campaign visit supporting Pendle Labour candidate Cllr Azhar Ali.

He also met women affected by the change in their retirement age at Tubbs cafe in Colne, reiterating this promise to compensate them at a cost of £58billion.

He told the Lancashire Telegraph: “It’s brilliant to come back. I lived here for several years and was able to stay with family.

“Nelson and Colne College, where my grandson Fintan did his A-levels, is fantastic.

“We will invest in green energy and infrastructure in the North creating jobs and prosperity.

“ Labour will extend the East Lancashire Line from Colne to Skipton and electrify the whole of it.

“In power Labour would move part of the Treasury to the North of England so its civil servants are making investment decisions alongside local leaders.

“We are in pre-election discussions with officials about where it would be located."

Mr McDonnell added: “The Tories have had ten years to move investment from the South-East to the North but nothing has happened. Their Northern Powerhouse has proved to be empty promises.”