Labour Party is 'bigger than one individual' says Angela Rayner on Staffordshire visit

Angela Rayner, tipped as a future Labour leader, accused the Government of failing the British people as she vowed that her party would call time on austerity and 'invest and rebuild' in the UK's future.

Her comments came after Theresa May's call for a General Election on June 8 was backed in Parliament by 522 votes to just 13.

Government Chief Whip Gavin Williamson said the vote meant the Government now had the chance to strengthen its negotiating position in the upcoming Brexit talks.

• MORE: Tories target Wolverhampton as MP Rob Marris bows out of 2017 General Election

• MORE: Walsall set for repeat of bitter General Election battle

• MORE: Big three set for rematch in Dudley

• MORE: We'll kick Tories out of Government, promises Tom Watson

Speaking during a visit to Staffordshire, shadow education secretary Ms Rayner told the Express & Star that the 'hard work' of Labour activists would shine through whether people 'like Jeremy Corbyn or not'.

"People know there is real choice out there," said Ms Rayner, who was visiting the Spark Springhill Centre in Burntwood.

"The Labour Party is bigger than one individual. It is a movement that is about a fairness in society where everyone can reach their potential and our communities can thrive so we can all do well together.

"The Tories are about cuts, ideological shrinking of the state and about looking after the wealthy and the rich.

"It comes to a point where people have a choice to make and so do they want to back what the Tories offer or do they want to support their local communities and make sure we all do well and prosper together."

Ms Rayner, a staunch Corbyn backer, said she welcomed the General Election as a chance for Labour to to give Britain a 'new direction'.

Currently the county has Conservative MPs in the South Staffordshire, Stafford, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Stone, Burton, Tamworth and Staffordshire Moorlands constituencies.

South Staffordshire MP Mr Williamson said: "This election will be the ideal chance for Britain to give Theresa May the mandate to strengthen our negotiating position with the EU.

"We will be fighting for every vote and what the electorate has is a clear choice between a strong Conservative government led by Theresa May committed to delivering Brexit or a Labour Party under Mr Corbyn which is in utter chaos and doesn't know where it stands on Brexit or any other major issue facing this country."

Ms Rayner added: "This Government has been a disaster for the vast majority of people who have suffered so much.

"The Government does not have a mandate and is failing our country."