BASINGSTOKE has been identified as a 'crucial area to secure a Labour victory' as volunteers from Havant have been asked to campaign in the town. 

Volunteers for Labour have been asked to make the approximately 40-mile journey after inputting their postcode in the 'volunteer' section of the party's website.

It reads: "Here's how to help. We've identified battleground areas that are crucial to secure a Labour victory. Our top choice for you is Basingstoke.

READ MORE: Number of confirmed whooping cough cases in Basingstoke revealed

Basingstoke Gazette: The message that volunteers have received on the website

"We need just a 13.5 per cent swing to win this seat from the Conservatives."

A 'battleground area' refers to a seat that could reasonably be won by another party by a swing in votes. 

Basingstoke has elected to vote for a Conservative MP since 1923, with previous MP, Maria Miller, holding the constituency since 2005.

The town has been selected as a 'priority seat' for the Labour Party, with Parliamentary candidate Luke Murphy preparing to oppose Dame Maria in the general election on July 4.

Mr Murphy previously served as a political advisor for members of the Shadow Cabinet during Ed Miliband's leadership. He was selected as Labour's candidate for Basingstoke during a Hustings meeting held in February.