A NEW political party that promises to “put Yorkshire first” will stage its General Election campaign launch in Bradford today.

The Yorkshire First party – which is demanding a county-wide “provincial assembly”, with decision-making powers – says it has signed up about 80 supporters in the city.

It plans to run a candidate in the Shipley constituency and in up to three other Bradford seats at the General Election in May, pledging “equality, justice and autonomy”.

However, Darren Hill, the party’s convenor in Bradford – and likely challenger to Conservative Philip Davies in Shipley – cheerfully admitted it had no chance of winning.

Mr Hill told the Telegraph & Argus: “I was a mental health social worker originally - so I’m not delusional!”

Instead, the 34-year-old, a lecturer in social work, at Leeds Beckett University, said the party’s aim was to slowly “shift the discourse beyond the traditional parties”.

He accused the big parties of offering only the “veneer of devolution”, instead of real decision-making powers both to Yorkshire and, beyond that, to towns and cities.

Mr Hill described the ‘city-regions’ of West and South Yorkshire as “city-states of unelected people and advisers”, adding: “Places like Batley and Dewsbury are left behind.

And he said: “People feel disenfranchised from the political process – we see that in falling voter numbers and of traditional mass organisations

“We are not asking for independence for Yorkshire, but for an assembly with real devolution and powers, to take decisions for our region – and give support to the areas that need it

“After all, Yorkshire has a larger population than Scotland and an economy twice the size of Wales, but we don’t have the powers that they’ve been given.”

Despite the focus on “equality and justice”, Mr Hill - who grew up in Batley, with a family from Bradford, and who now lives in Shipley – said Yorkshire First was a “broad church”, not left-wing.

He explained: “We are a centre-ground party, attracting people from all walks of life, including former – and current – Conservatives – and Liberal Democrats”

“We are getting a lot of contact from people who want to be involved. That’s a new experience because, as a trade unionist, I know how difficult it is to get busy people out of their houses.”

The Bradford “launch” will be small-scale, a gathering of activists in the cafes of the city’s Independent Quarter this afternoon, but Yorkshire First is pitching for a higher profile.

It is arguing for inclusion in a county-only live TV debate. Mr Hill said: “We are trying to get equal coverage and time in Yorkshire.”