THE leader of a political party which aims to challenge a “broken system” praised Bradford’s community groups in a visit to the city yesterday.

Gina Miller, the founder of the True and Fair Party, met with members of Better Start Bradford at the Mayfield Centre, off Manchester Road.

Ms Miller, who has won two legal challenges against the Government in recent years, described the levels of deprivation in Bradford as “depressing”, adding that she is “desperately worried” about poverty in the region.

She also criticised the Government for having a “shameful” lack of accountability.

“There is such embedded poverty in Bradford, which we must address”, she said.

“Because we are the seventh-richest nation in the world, people are ashamed to talk about it.

“Councils must support, we need early intervention and devolution of policy making.

“So much seems broken, but the solutions start at grassroots.”

Ms Miller was born in Guyana and moved to Eastbourne, Sussex as a child.

She took on the Government in 2017, questioning its authority to implement Brexit without MPs’ approval.

She also successfully challenged the Government over its prorogation of Parliament in 2019.

The co-founder of investment company SCM Direct, Ms Miller launched the True and Fair Party in September.

“Our goal is to fix a broken system”, she said.

“There is poverty and issues with funding, but look at the billions being wasted, with the Government misspending our tax money, for example.

“Small community charities don’t get enough support. I think they are the heroes among us.

“We don’t need more reports sitting on shelves, we need groups like Better Start Bradford who understand the areas they serve.

“People don’t always ask for help – for example, men with mental health problems. But having trusted people in the community is a door opener.

“What gives me hope is how active individuals are becoming. When communities come together, that’s extraordinary.”

Ms Miller added she was “worried” about new legislation passing through Parliament.

“With the Elections Bill and the Nationality and Borders Bill, amongst others, the Government is changing our lives by statute”, she said.

“We are going to wake up one day and realise we don’t have the same freedom of speech.

“We have to stand up. Past generations gave their lives for the rights we take for granted.

“The machinery of government is broken - our party is like a toolbox to fix it. I hope people can lend their vote at the next election, to put our politics on a better footing.”