AN MP wants to promote the plight of the Bradford Bulls on a national stage after scoring a prestigious Parliamentary post in the sport.

Bradford South MP Judith Cummins has been elected as the chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group.

Over her initial year in the post, she will oversee the group’s monthly meetings with an agenda that includes meetings with Sports Minister Tracey Crouch, representatives of the Rugby Football League (RFL), including its chief executive Nigel Wood, about the future direction of that game, and with leading media figures.

Mrs Cummins takes over from previous chairman, Greg Mulholland, who lost his Leeds North West seat at last month’s General Election.

She has already got behind the Telegraph & Argus Back the Bulls campaign.

The Bulls sit bottom of the table on zero points in the Kingstone Press Championship – following a 12-point deduction at the start of the season for going into liquidation.

Bradford supporters are being urged by the T&A and the club to ‘Back the Bulls’ for their last regular game of the season this Sunday against second-from-bottom Swinton Lions at Odsal.

Mrs Cummins said: “I want to put Bradford at the centre of rugby league.

“I would like to see the Bulls back where they belong. The Bulls are a good club.

“It gives me the platform to discuss the plight of the Bulls and other clubs in that situation. Me being in this role will be good for Bradford and good for the Bulls.

“It is an important role in terms of rugby league.

“I would like to achieve a growth in the number of fans and growing rugby league from the community upwards.

“It is important to make sure our clubs get the support they deserve.”

Mrs Cummins said she was delighted to have been elected to the role.

She said: “I would like to thank colleagues for electing me as chair of the group.

“With their support, the group will continue to provide a strong voice for rugby league in Westminster, Whitehall and beyond in this Parliament.

“Rugby league is a fantastic sport that delivers positive change for people of all ages in communities across the UK, and it is important that we ensure that it continues to receive the recognition it deserves.

“It will be an interesting role, though it’s early days.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

The all-party group was formed in 1988. with an aim to support the sport. It features MPs, associate members and meets when Parliament is sitting to raise and discuss issues important to the sport.

The group receives no taxpayers' money and is instead reliant on subscriptions from outside partners including Rugby League Cares.