Former Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell visited Twickenham on Monday, backing Labour parliamentary candidate Nick Grant.

The pair spoke at the inaugural meeting of the St Mary's University Labour Society, formed of students dissatisfied with the coalition government.

Dame Tessa said: "Like Liberal Democrats all over the country, Vince Cable is now under real pressure.

"I’m incredibly excited by the momentum gathering around Nick Grant’s campaign and the possibility that he can win for Labour here in Twickenham.

"Nick’s hard work, and his tireless campaigning on housing, the economy and the NHS have put Labour in with a real shout."

Mr Grant said he hoped to pick up voters unhappy with Twickenham MP Dr Cable's role in the coalition government.

He said: "Voters in Twickenham did not vote for a Tory-led collation with no mandate, yet this is what five years of Vince Cable has brought them.

"This point is particularly pertinent here at St Mary’s University.

"One of the Liberal Democrats’ biggest betrayals is the way that they have let down students here in London and throughout the rest of the UK."