AN influential figure came to Pudsey yesterday for a discussion focused on the issue of unequal government expenditure.

Shadow Chancellor, John McDonnell MP, was at the "Road to Rebuilding the Economy" conference at Priesthorpe School.

Mr McDonnell said: "At the moment, the north, particularly Yorkshire and the Humber, is being discriminated against - we're going to end that."

Over 100 people turned up for the event where Mr McDonnell MP, more broadly outlined plans to rebuild the economy and raise living standards.

The conference was part of a nationwide tour.

Mr McDonnell MP said: "It was excellent, there was a good attendance and everyone was enthusiastic.

He added that a big topic of discussion was a lack of investment in the area's transport spend compared to London and the south east.

Statistics released by think tank, IPPR North, showed over the last year transport spending in London increased by 11.4 per cent but fell by 3.6 per cent in the North of England.

He said: "The figures are stark. It's staggering really. We discussed road, rail and broadband speeds - so people can work in these areas. All that neglect, we're thinking of the details of that."

Over the next 10 years, there will be £500 billion pumped into infrastructure across the country.

Mr McDonnell wants to bring the region up to speed and spread this money fairly.

He said: "The capital spend from government is £1000 per head in Yorkshire and the Humber, in London and the south east it's almost double that.

"You can see what's happening. This region's economy falls behind because of a lack of investment.

"Labour will rewrite the rules for how government decides its expenditure and investment plans and will tackle the regional imbalance. We want to give regions like this a fair crack of the whip."

Jane Aitchison, Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate for the constituency of Pudsey, was also among the speakers.