Gary Neville went down a storm with Labour members after sticking it to Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak at a swanky gala dinner in Manchester last night, the Manchester Evening News understands.
The straight-talking former Manchester United captain is said to have blasted Johnson's record in Government and likened the Chancellor's performance to that of Tottenham.
"If Rishi Sunak was a footballer he’d be playing for Tottenham. He looks good but when the going gets tough he does one", Neville told Labour members - who were packed in the Grand Suite of the Vermillion restaurant.
READ MORE: Is Gary Neville being groomed for Parliament?
The fundraising dinner came after the Sky pundit announced in January that he had officially joined Sir Keir Starmer's party. This was no great surprise to fans, who knew him as an unofficial 'shop steward' representing fellow players, particularly while on England duty.
Tameside councillor Oliver Ryan, who had a seat at the £70 per head dinner, said: "It was a brilliant night, a really great laugh. Keir was on form, Gary was on form and so was Angela.
"There was a lot of excitement in the room with Gary there. He knows what he thinks and he's not afraid to say it. The way he spoke about Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson was great, he was straight down the line and definitely knew what he thought.
"He spoke eloquently about university courses and accessibility for young people in further education, he showed he obviously knows his stuff and that he cares about it." He added: "He's part of the family now. It was good to welcome him."
The dinner, which was also attended by Sir Keir and deputy leader Angela Rayner, led many to speculate whether Neville was being lined up for a run at Parliament.
Asked whether any such rumours were floating around last night's event, Coun Ryan was tight-lipped. "I wouldn't want to comment on that one", he said.
Neville insisted earlier this year that he simply wanted to support the party but has openly discussed entering political life. He played it down but equally did not rule it out - and nor did he rule out one day standing for mayor of Greater Manchester.
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