Boris Johnson: Tory manifesto for the 'working classes of the Black Country' - PICTURES and VIDEO

The Foreign Secretary visited Wolverhampton just hours after Theresa May pledged to help ‘mainstream’ Britain with a new form of Conservatism.

On a visit to Carvers Building Supplies on Littles Lane, Mr Johnson insisted the Tories would look after working people like never before and said the West Midlands could become one of the world’s industrial heartlands.

He said: “What Theresa May is offering is a type of Conservatism that is for the whole country, that understands the vital importance of business but also looks after working people.

"That’s the formula we have been trying to get right for so long and I think she is getting it right.

“What she has set out in our manifesto is a blueprint for working class people in places like the Black Country.”

On the future economic prospects for the West Midlands under a Conservative government, he said: “This was the great commercial, industrial heartland, not just of the United Kingdom but of a colossal empire across the world.

“It can be and will be again. What we want to do is help businesses and improve the lives of everyone who works for those businesses as well.”

Mr Johnson was joined on his visit by Wolverhampton Conservative candidates Paul Uppal, Sarah Macken and Kieran Mullan.

Asked if he was confident of seeing Tory candidates gain control of the city’s three seats he said: “I think we have some fantastic candidates who I think will serve very well indeed.

"We are never confident until the votes are cast and counted, but I am very enthusiastic.”

Mr Johnson sparked controversy this week when he was taken to task by a worshipper for discussing alcohol in a Sikh temple.

But he insisted his comments had been ‘taken the right way’ by Sikhs.