Labour’s national election campaign set to re-start by the weekend

Labour’s national general election campaign, which was suspended after the Manchester atrocity, is expected to resume on Friday or Saturday.

Some MPs standing again – such as Mike Gapes in Ilford South – resumed low-level local leafleting this morning but Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May remain away from the campaign trail.

Corbyn last night attended the vigil for the victims of the Manchester Arena suicide bombing while May spoke to the nation after the threat level was raised to critical, the highest band, meaning an attack could be imminent.

Labour officials have asked candidates not to take part in hustings events, fundraising, street stalls or social media while phone canvassing and doorstep voter ID are also off-limits.

Corbyn spoke to May on Monday night, following the attack, which killed 22 people and is thought to have injured 64 more.

MPs have pointed to the three day halt in campaigning which was observed after the murder of Jo Cox, the Batley and Spen MP, last summer.

A spokesperson for Labour said campaigning remains suspended until further notice.