General election 2017: We will not win, but let’s limit damage, says Wolverhampton Labour MP Pat McFadden

The Wolverhampton South East MP said he was 'realistic' about the vote on June 8 and that is was all about making sure Labour held onto enough seats to ensure they could provide a strong opposition to the Conservatives.

Jeremy Corbyn's party is lagging behind in the polls with experts predicting a comfortable victory for the Tories.

And Mr McFadden, who was sacked from the shadow cabinet by Mr Corbyn last year, gave a frank assessment of Labour's current standing.

He said: "I am realistic about this election. I have been involved in politics for a long time and I can't remember a situation where the opposition party goes in so far behind."

Mr McFadden suggested he did not believe Labour could win the election and that the party could only hope to limit the damage inflicted, adding: "There is a realistic choice here. Are we going to have a strong and credible opposition or are we going to give a complete blank cheque for the Conservatives to do what they want?

"I don't think that's good for the country."

He also dismissed Theresa May's claims that the election was called to strengthen her hand for Brexit negotiations, insisting it was purely a political decision to take advantage of favourable polls and boost her Commons majority.

Mr McFadden said: "This isn't about the national interest, it's about the interests of the Conservative Party.

"The thing about this election is it wasn't necessary. This election has been called for the Conservatives to cash in on an opinion poll lead and I don't think that's a good thing for this country."

Mr McFadden's comments came after Mrs May pledged not to raise VAT if she wins the election.

The Wolverhampton MP also said he feared a low turnout for this week's West Midlands mayoral election which he said had 'failed to capture the imagination' of people in the Black Country.

He said: "I just hope there is interest in this West Midlands mayoral election.

"Before this General Election was called I was out knocking doors in my constituency in Wolverhampton to see what people thought of it.

"Sadly, my conclusion is that so far this contest has failed to capture the imagination of the public in the West Midlands.

"I am not against strong mayors. I look at London and see the profile of the mayor and what it has done there for the city.

"But my real concern is, what's the turnout going to be and how much public engagement is there going to be in this election?"

For those who do go out and vote on Thursday, Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier said second preference votes would be crucial and, with the Conservative and Labour candidates Andy Street and Sion Simon thought to be neck and neck, could decide the election.

Voters will have the option to mark a second preference at the polling booth, which will help decide the winner if no-one gets 50 per cent of the vote.

Mr Garnier said: "Neither one or the other is going to get through the first round so I think second preferences will be absolutely vital."