ONE hundred Labour supporters gathered as shadow chancellor John McDonnell issued a message of hope and rebuilding ahead of the general election.

Joined by chair of Southampton and Romsey’s Labour party Satvir Kaur, the Shadow Chancellor was welcomed by supports in Bitterne Precinct.

In a speech that addressed not trusting the polls, amid a reported 20-point lead for the Conservatives, and even Donald Trump, John McDonnell was celebrated by his supporters ahead of the election on June 8.

The snap election was called by Prime Minister Theresa May, with the event taking place in the Southampton and Itchen constituency, a seat currently held by Conservative MP Royston Smith.

With a Labour seat for Southampton Test held by MP Alan Whitehead, the Shadow Chancellor said that Itchen seat was one of great importance.

He told the Daily Echo: “In terms of employment, a Labour government would put more jobs in the communities, and this seat is very important to win back. We also need to continue supporting the great work done by Alan Whitehead in the neighbouring constituency.

“My message to the people of Southampton would be that we need a leader who is honest, decent and principled, and I think Jeremy Corbyn is just that.”

Royston Smith had a majority in the last election of more than 2,000 votes.

Satvir Kaur echoed the sentiments of Mr McDonnell, calling Southampton Test a red dot in a sea of blue.

The Southampton City Councillor said: “He was very keen to come to Southampton and we were happy to welcome him. Southampton Test is a red dot in a sea of blue and we need to support Alan Whitehead.

“It’s really important we have a Labour government and in order to do that we need to be out gathering support and getting our message out.”