George Osborne comes to Milton Keynes to boost Tory spirits for today's elections

Mr Osborne toured the Tilbrook factory, saw how the racing cars are made and even tightened a few nuts with a pneumatic tool.

He met local Conservatives and is pictured with Milton Keynes Tory leader Edith Ball, councillor Hiten Ganatra and city MP Iain Stewart.

Edith said: “He wished us well in the elections and he was full of praise for Milton Keynes.

“He said MK was a great place but with its 50th birthday coming up it needs good councillors in place to ensure it continues to be a success.”

Milton Keynes has 23 Labour councillors and 22 Tories. With 20 seats up for grabs - one from each ward and one from a Bletchley by-election, the election will be a tight battle.

The Citizen will be covering it live tonight on Twitter and on our website www,miltonkeynes.co.uk.