The Prime Minister made a flying visit to Southampton this morning with less than 24 hours to go until the polls open.

Pledging to keep the city safe and looking at giving police more powers, Theresa May spent a few hours at Atherley bowling club on Hill Lane.

Mrs May admitted that the Southampton Test seat was 'important', but that every vote counted across the country.

Supporting Conservative candidate Paul Holmes, Mrs May stressed the importance of having a strong hand to take the country out of the European Union.

Hampshire Chronicle:

She said: "I have been getting out around the whole country to ensure we have a strong hand that takes us through the Brexit negotiations and to make sure we get a deal that is best for the country, and that includes the people of Southampton. These negotiations start just 11 days after the election."

Asked about the number of police on the streets in Southampton, Mrs May said that she would be looking to give police more powers to keep the people of Hampshire safe.

"We have had horrific terror attacks in the last few months and we will be looking to give the police more powers to keep everyone safe.

"Jeremy Corbyn has rejected every piece of anti-terror legislation since he's been an MP, so it's vital the country has a leader who will make sure police have the right authority to keep members of the public out of harm."

Last month, Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn visited the city and pledged to put "10,000 new police officers on our the streets".

Speaking when he appeared in Southampton, Mr Corbyn said: “Cutting police numbers especially when there is more crime to deal with is unacceptable."

Hampshire Chronicle:

With her Theresa May supporting Conservative candidate Paul Holmes for the Southampton Test seat, Mr Holmes added that it would be a close election.

He said: "It's going to be really close here, and we never take a result for granted. I promise the people of Southampton that they will be safe, it's a safe city. The Prime Minister is right in saying that police could receive more powers but my message is not to panic."

Asked about social care in Southampton, Mr Holmes added that he would not support a Conservative policy on care if it wasn't for Southampton.

He said: "If it's not the best deal for the city, I would say so. The Conservative Party has said that they will look at the policy and if the new policy isn't suitable, I won't support it. I want what's best for Southampton if I'm lucky enough to be elected."