Woking Labour has welcomed McLaren’s £500 million investment in its UK operations, announced during a visit to the company’s Woking headquarters by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

The investment will expand McLaren’s UK manufacturing and engineering operations and is expected to create at least 1,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2032, including jobs in Woking. It will also support further employment across the wider supply chain.

Sean O’Malley, secretary of Woking Labour Party, said: “McLaren’s £500 million investment is very good news for Britain and for Woking. We are proud that a company recognised around the world continues to have Woking at the heart of its operations.

“We particularly welcome this investment at a time when the Labour Government is putting advanced manufacturing, skilled jobs and British industry at the heart of its plans for economic growth.

“But we should also be ambitious about what comes next. McLaren is planning a new vehicle assembly facility in the UK, and we believe Woking should make a strong case to be its home.

“Woking Borough Council and our representatives on the new West Surrey Council should work with McLaren to explore every opportunity to bring that investment and the jobs that come with it here.

“The benefits should be felt in Woking too. We want more of our young people to have access to the apprenticeships and skilled careers that companies like McLaren can provide, with stronger links to our schools and Woking College. Local businesses should also have the chance to benefit as McLaren grows.

“Woking has a lot going for it. We have the location, talented local people and businesses that compete on the world stage. We need to make more of that and ensure growth creates opportunities for the people who live here.

“After several difficult years, Woking needs to look forward again.”

Prime Minister’s visit and pictures, pages 20-21