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Labour has appointed a new election guru as the party steps up its preparations for a snap poll.

Niall Sookoo - who currently works in the Leader of the Opposition’s Office - will take up the role of Executive Director of Campaigns and Strategy in the coming weeks.

Mr Sookoo was credited with helping plan and execute the election strategy that saw Labour outperform expectations last year.

But his appointment comes on the day he lost his father after illness.

Roger, 85, a member of the Windrush generation, passed away on Thursday night.

(Image: PA)

Friends of Mr Sookoo said: “It’s a bittersweet day for Niall. The job is excellent news but it came on a really sad day for him.

“It’s a lot for him to take in at the moment but his dad would be very proud of him.”

The party has beefed up its recruitment since Jeremy Corbyn announced they would be in ’permanent campaign mode.’

Senior figures have been touring Tory marginal seats in anticipation of an early election.

If the government runs its full term, the election would be held in 2022.

But pressure on Theresa May and the difficulties of Brexit mean the likelihood of an early election is growing.