Jack Straw has taken his trusty soapbox to Oldham and Saddleworth, where he will be campaigning for Labour in next week’s vital by-election.

Labour desperately wants to see off a challenge from the Lib Dems in the seat vacated by the banned Phil Woolas, who was born in Burnley.

Mr Straw’s agent, Phil Riley, is also helping out.

Labour is looking to improve its support from the General Election among the constituency’s Asian voters, something the veteran Blackburn MP has fared well at over the years.

Mind you, judging from this picture, he’ll be hoping the audience numbers pick up soon.