CAMPAIGNERS have reacted with mixed emotions to the Government's announcement that Treasury North will be based in Darlington.

Matthew Crowther, a proud Bradfordian and coffee shop worker, and Jac Morton of Peardrop Creative teamed up for the 'Bring Public Sector Jobs to Bradford' campaign.

It would have seen the arrival of 750 officials from several Government departments as part of a pledge to move 22,000 civil servants out of London by 2030.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak had narrowed the selection down to Bradford, Newcastle, Leeds and Darlington but leaks over the past few days proved to be true.

Today, video footage showed Chancellor Rishi Sunak revealing that jobs will be relocated to Darlington. 

The duo said the decision left them "disappointed", having previously said a large employer was "absolutely vital to keep the city moving forward".

Jac said: "I am obviously disappointed, myself and Matthew Crowther put a lot of hard work in to highlight how desperately Bradford needs these jobs.

"Having such a large employer would help to tackle the high unemployment rate in Bradford and improve the lives of many who live in our city. That is why I will continue to campaign to bring large employers to Bradford, to give the people of our city the jobs the need and deserve."

But Matthew felt there was a silver lining to the move.

He said: "I believe it is better that it goes to Darlington rather than Leeds or Newcastle as this shows a more fairer and truer levelling up the North South divide and also levelling up the North which is fragmented.

"I hope as part of the resettlement of civil servant roles in the North, Bradford could be considered for some of the other government departments."