Labour is to send Diane Abbott and John McDonnell to Brexit heartlands in an effort to 'take back control' from Ukip.

Amid sliding poll ratings for Jeremy Corbyn's party, the senior MPs - both of whom have represented metropolitan London seats for decades - are to take part in a series of events around the country.

Starting in Sunderland in April, the campaign will also visit Barnsley, Bradford, Plymouth and Dagenham.

The Take Back Control campaign is aimed explicitly at trying to stop voters deserting Labour for Ukip and helping people break free from the control of 'economic elites'.

Labour is to send John McDonnell and DIane Abbott to Brexit heartlands in an effort to 'take back control' from Ukip

Also taking part in the campaign is Clive Lewis, who quit the shadow cabinet to vote against triggering Article 50 and implementing the EU referendum

Among the team being sent on the road by Labour are Clive Lewis and Rachael Maskell, who quit the shadow cabinet this month to vote against implementing Brexit.

Sunderland was one of the strongest Brexit-voting areas of England and was a crucial bellweather on referendum night that signalled the scale of the Brexit vote.

Polls have continued to show sliding results for Labour, with fewer than one in four people planning to vote for the party. Among working class voters, the latest survey indicated it had fallen to third place, behind Ukip.

Ms Maskell, the former Shadow Environment Secretary, said: 'The overriding cry from the EU Referendum was that people wanted more control over the lives they lead and those who represent them in our political institutions.

'When you don't know how many hours you will work on your zero-hour contract, or when your landlord will tell you to pack your bags, it is increasingly impossible to have control over anything.

Among working class voters, the latest survey from YouGov indicated Labour had fallen to third place, behind Ukip

'The Government, in refusing to listen to the needs people have, highlights the need for people across every community to get their voice heard and make their politicians work for them.

'The debate should not be about the political institutions but the way those who hold office engage and respond and most importantly empower people in their community to have a voice.'

Steve Hansom, a Take Back Control organiser from Sunderland, said: 'Paul Nuttall may wear a flat cap and speak with a scouse accent, but that doesn't mean he's got your back.

Ukip leader Paul Nuttall is aiming to seize a Labour seat in Stoke Central next week in a crunch by-election

'He is no different to Farage who is no different to May - just another politician who directs anger and frustration at the most vulnerable instead of going after those at the top.

'I desperately want to see a better future for Sunderland, one with jobs, homes and a stronger community.

'But we're never going to be able to build this future unless we take back control from the bankers, bosses and CEOS who keep creaming off the top.'

Ms Abbott's appearances on the campaign have not been finalised but she was included in the official announcement.