AS a staunch proponent of Brexit, it’s not surprising to find Philip Davies backing a new Leave campaign. Only this time it’s not Britain leaving Europe, it is Shipley and Keighley breaking away from Bradford.

Mr Davies wants Shipley and Keighley to form their own local authority to ‘take back control’ from Bradford.

The MP for Shipley has been calling for a split for several years and made it one of his pledges at the last General Election.

He says Bradford Council prioritises spending in the city centre at the expense of outlying areas such as Shipley and Keighley.

His argument is a microcosm of the Brexit debate. By going it alone all the money raised from taxpayers could be spent locally, goes the Leave case.

But if Keighley and Shipley quit they will lose the economies of scale they enjoy by being part of a large local authority, say the Remainers.

By gathering signatures on a petition Mr Davies hopes to persuade the Government to order a boundary review.

Thanks to years of austerity, local authorities are continually having to re-appraise their spending priorities.

It’s a fact of life that there isn’t enough to go around and the areas of greatest need are in the inner-city.

On balance we think the district would be better served if everyone pulls together.

But Bradford Council would be wise not to ignore Mr Davies – or his petition.

If people feel they are being ignored then their calls for change will inevitably grow.