FORMER home secretary Alan Johnson made a visit to Worcester - to help raise cash for Labour's city parliamentary candidate.

Mr Johnson, who at one point was hotly tipped to become Labour leader, attended a fundraising dinner for Councillor Joy Squires at The Whitehouse Hotel in Foregate Street.

Money from the bash, which took place last Friday, is going towards the fund as Cllr Squires takes on current Worcester Conservative MP Robin Walker.

She said “Alan Johnson’s visit has given a great boost to my campaign to regain Worcester for Labour at the next general election.

"Alan is very highly experienced and is an astute observer of Westminster politics."

Chris Winwood, chairman of the party branch in Worcester, said “Alan was a real hit.

"Our members and supporters were eager to hear him speak, and he kindly agreed to host our fundraising auction."