A former Bradford businessman is standing by to lead a campaign against the formation of a regional assembly for Yorkshire.

John Watson, who spent two years as chairman of the Bradford Chamber of Commerce, has called a meeting of business organisations in the county to discuss how best to oppose the planned assembly.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott announced last week that there is to be a referendum on the issue next autumn with a view to having the assembly running by early in the next parliament.

But today Mr Watson, former chief executive of Bradford City Challenge, said he was keen to play a leading role in the 'no' campaign.

He said he was convinced the assembly would mean additional expense to the tax payer and result in key decisions being taken more slowly.

He said: "I am against it because I believe it would be a substantial talking shop, it would be expensive and it would not do a great deal. I think it would also slow things down that are being done well at the moment."

The region's nine chambers of commerce, eight of which are thought to oppose the planned assembly, the CBI and Institute of Directors are expected to be at the meeting.

Mr Watson, 60, believed that devolution in Scotland, Wales and London had proved costly and unproductive and claimed Yorkshire firms were against the plan.

He said: "In Scotland, the business community was in favour and in Wales they were ambivalent, but in Yorkshire there is a strong feeling against it. Businesses don't like paying more tax and like decisions to be taken as quickly as possible."

Mr Watson said it was crucial that the 'no' campaign was set-up quickly to ensure its message got across. The most up-to-date opinion polls indicate 70 per cent of the public back the planned institution.

The Electoral Commission is expected to offer £600,000 of public funds to be equally split between the 'yes' and 'no' campaigns.

A spokesman for Bradford Chamber of Commerce said the organisation had contacted other chambers across Yorkshire to canvass their views on the planned assembly.

The group is keen to hear what Bradford businesses think about the plans. They should telephone (01274) 772777.