A SHIPLEY pub will tomorrow host a special celebration of the vote in the House of Commons to deliver a fairer deal for tenant landlord.

Otley MP Greg Mulholland successfully won an historic victory last month to include the ‘market rent only’ option in the forthcoming code of practice being introduced by the Government which he tabled in an amendment carried by MPs.

This is aimed at curbing the situation where tenants are rigidly bound to big pub companies which own the premises.

And Mr Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North) is leading the celebrations at the Shipley Pride by bringing his folk band, Summercross to play a free gig at a night backed by Bradford CAMRA at the Shipley Pride in Saltaire Road.

Sadly, the rule changes have come too late for Rob Clayton, the pub's licensee for two years, who said he is being forced to quit the pub in January due to the terms of his contract with the company that owns it.

“It's a great shame this couldn't have happened sooner as it would of without doubt kept us in the Pride, but hey you play the cards you're dealt right," Mr Clayton said.

"We are sad indeed to be leaving the Pride, but take with us many great memories and wish our successors the very best of luck. But never mind all that, we have a celebration party to get on with!”

Summercross provide an exciting new brand of contemporary folk music with strong songs, one of which is pub anthem ‘Last of England’ which laments the loss of many pubs up and down the country, including those lost due to unfair terms.

Shipley MP Philip Davies will also lend his support at the event which starts at 8.30pm.

Mr Mulholland, singer-songwriter of Summercross and national co-ordinator of the Fair Deal for Your Local campaign said: “I am delighted that we will be having this Fair Deal for Your Local campaign celebration at the Shipley Pride when CAMRA members and all local pub lovers can come and toast the historic vote to give hardworking publicans a fairer deal.

Bradford CAMRA chairman David Boothroyd said: “This is a celebration of a landmark parliamentary and campaign victory and it is great that Greg and his fellow Summercross members are playing at it.

"Directly or indirectly this historic vote will come to the rescue of many pubco tenants who are struggling to make a living."

Mr Davies, a supporter of the Fair Deal for Your Local campaign, said: "I was pleased to vote for Greg’s amendment which I believe will play a big part in helping to ensure that tied pubs have the opportunity to compete on a level playing field with other pubs.

"Greg has done a brilliant job and I'm delighted he is coming to the Shipley Pride to celebrate the success of this campaign”.