FORMER Mayor of London Ken Livingstone joined Labour candidate for Bradford West, Naz Shah, on the campaign trail in the constituency today.

Mr Livingstone, arrived by train at Bradford Interchange shortly after noon, to be greeted by Ms Shah.

The pair, along with Councillor David Green, leader of Labour-run Bradford Council, walked through the city centre up to Bradford University, where they met students ahead of a debate on young voters scheduled for tomorrow.

Mr Livingstone told the Telegraph & Argus: "You've had the last five years of the Tory press echoing the line that Ed Miliband can't read and think at the same, and can't walk and chew at the same time. Now people have seen him in all these debates, and they actually think he's quite good, which has been a real boost.

"I think this is most important election since '79. If the Tories get another term, Britain will be finished. There won't be anything worth living here for - it will be wiped out.

"If we get a Labour government our public services will be protected, but also we will be building homes for rent."

Ms Shah said: "We are talking to students because we are debating the subject of young voters tomorrow.

"We are also talking about the Labour manifesto and what a Labour Government would propose around Islamophobia. We are the only ones to bring it into line legally, saying that Islamophobia is a hate crime. I think that is really important for us."

Other candidates standing in Bradford West are: Harry Boota (Ukip), George Galloway (Respect), George Grant (Con), Alun Griffiths (Lib Dem), Celia Hickson (Green Party), Therese Hirst (English Democrats - Putting England First), and James Kirkcaldy (Independent).