BRADFORD'S MPs say decision to move Treasury North to Darlington is "disappointing", adding that "it was not potential or ability that mattered to the Chancellor".

Many in the district had high hopes that Bradford would welcome hundreds of new public sector jobs. 

Here's what Bradford's MPs had to say...

Imran Hussain MP (Labour, Bradford East)

“This is of course a disappointing decision by the Chancellor and I firmly believe that he has made the wrong decision today. Bradford has a great many things to offer which were clearly recognised during the shortlisting process, and we should remain in contention for these types of jobs if the Government continue to plan on moving thousands of civil servants out of London.

“However, it seems that today, it was not potential or ability that was what mattered to the Chancellor in making his decision, but convenience for himself, with this new Northern Hub just minutes down the road from his own constituency. If he is truly committed to a ‘levelling up agenda’ and to spreading growth across all cities, towns and regions of the North, he has to look beyond his own personal benefits.”

Naz Shah MP (Labour, Bradford West)

“It is a great shame that Bradford has not been chosen by the Chancellor to become the location of the Government’s new Treasury North hub.”

“Bradford was the obvious choice, and such a move would have helped redress the balance, after years of austerity. Bradford has faced huge levels of unemployment, and putting party politics aside; this move would have helped to literally "level up" Bradford.

“As the whispers indicate, the choice was made unsurprisingly based on the lobbying of Tory MPs in favour of newly won ‘Red wall’ seats. Whether it is PPE contracts or levelling up the north, it is becoming apparent that this government is more interested in helping their friends than this country.”

Judith Cummins MP (Labour, Bradford South)

"This is another missed opportunity to invest in Bradford by the Government. I wrote to the Chancellor in advance of the budget to support a move to Bradford and provide the people of Bradford with more jobs and opportunities. I will be speaking in the Budget debate later today and urging the Government to invest in our city." 

Philip Davies MP (Conservative, Shipley)

“Obviously I am very disappointed at this news.  As Rishi himself acknowledged in the House of Commons I did everything possible to lobby him to locate this in the Bradford district.”

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