JOHN McDONNELL yesterday dismissed Ukip claims that it could win one of two upcoming by-elections in the north of England triggered by Labour MPs’ resignations.

The shadow chancellor said he was angered by the presumptuousness of Ukip leader Paul Nuttall, who is contesting the Stoke-on-Trent Central seat. Mr Nuttall said that Stoke is the “capital of Brexit” and that he believes Ukip can replace Labour as the party of the working class in the Midlands and the north.

Mr McDonnell said that the Ukipper is taking voters for granted.