An MP has claimed Bradford’s Westfield development is “closer than ever” – days after the company’s chief executive suggested it could sell the site.

Bradford East MP David Ward said he met bosses at the Australian firm yesterday and was optimistic “rapid progress” would be made on the Broadway site, despite Steven Lowy telling a Sunday newspaper’s business supplement: “We may sell it, but it will play out in a way that pleases the people of Bradford.”

The Telegraph & Argus reported on Tuesday how Bradford West MP George Galloway had called for an inquiry into delays to the Broadway development, which he branded a “regeneration foul-up”.

However, Westfield said the firm remained committed.

Mr Ward dismissed the earlier comments and said: “It’s regrettable a highly-paid executive would engage in such loose talk. But fortunately I don’t believe his remarks reflect the position of the company.”