LABOUR deputy leader Tom Watson has hit the campaign trail with "lifelong friend" John Cryer in Leytonstone.

The senior Labour figure arrived outside Leytonstone Underground station today to begin an afternoon of canvassing with MP John Cryer.

With little over a week since Theresa May called a snap general election, Mr Watson backed his friend to retain the Leyton and Wanstead seat, which he won by a 14,919 majority in 2015.

He said: "I'm here to support John Cryer, my lifelong friend, socialist campaigner and chairman of the Parliamentary Labour Party, which makes him an extremely important person in my life.

"He's a powerful advocate for his constituents and I want him re-elected.

Mr Watson admitted he is no stranger to Leytonstone, calling himself the "annual fixture" in local Labour Party fundraisers.

He added: "The local party here is very vibrant, they have lots of new members, they're very principled people but have lots of social events.

"East London has been transformed in recent years and I hope people will think a Labour government will be good for them to continue investment in the area."