THE Conservative Party's deputy chair has come under intense criticism for making an "appalling" comment about Bradford during this year's Tory conference.

In a fringe event in Manchester today, Lee Anderson - who represents the Ashfield constituency in Nottinghamshire as an MP -  was questioned about the possible scrapping of the HS2 high-speed rail line between Birmingham and Manchester and how this would affect services in places like Bradford.

Mr Anderson said: "Would you want to get there quicker?"

In a response on hearing of the comment, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said: "If that's an attempt at a joke, then I'm not laughing. 

"It's no wonder that the Government's much heralded levelling up has not happened in the north if this is the attitude of the Conservative Party deputy chair.

"After 13 years in power, his Government's legacy speaks for itself. 

"But we won’t stop fighting for a better deal for our residents.

"Bradford is the youngest city in the UK and with some of the best places to live in the country.

"We are a big, significant, economic powerhouse in the north, bigger than Newcastle, Bristol, Liverpool and Nottingham. 

"It's about time we were recognised as such.

"We have fierce ambitions for our district and all it has to offer as the future workforce of the north. 

"We need a Government which takes that seriously and commits to delivering a new city centre station on the mainline and much improved transport connections across the district and the north.”

Labour Cllr Si Cunningham, who represents the Bolton and Undercliffe ward on Bradford Council, simply said about Mr Anderson's comment: "They really are pathetic."

Tong ward Cllr Matt Edwards, leader of the Green Party on Bradford Council, added: "This is a disgraceful jibe from Mr Anderson, the deputy chair of the Conservative Party - and hardly fitting of a so-called senior politician.

"Bradford is the worst connected large city in the country by far.

"We do not have the regional and national connection that we need to deliver prosperity for Bradford residents.

"It's no wonder that this Government is consistently failing to deliver transport investment for the residents of Bradford if this is how senior Conservatives talk publicly about our district.

"Mr Anderson should come to Bradford himself - ideally by train - to see our wonderful city and meet our fantastic people and experience what we need to deal with when it comes to travel."

Mr Anderson's controversial comments were reported on X, formerly Twitter, by the political editor for the Byline Times, Adam Bienkov. 

His post said: "Laughter at Conservative conference when Lee Anderson is asked about cancelling HS2 and the impact it will have on local services, such as those to Bradford, and replies: 'Anyone here from Bradford? Would you want to get there quicker?'"

Rachel Wearmouth, deputy political editor at the New Statesman, also said on X: "Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson is being quizzed on HS2 and transport connectivity at a UK in a Changing Europe fringe.

"He turns to the audience and says: 'Anyone in here from Bradford? Would you want to get there quicker?' 

"The audience laughs.

"One person calls it a 'cheap shot'."

The MP then adds: "There’s nothing wrong with Bradford, I’ve got great friends there."

Commenting on Mr Anderson's comments, one X user said: "And there we have it - utter disdain for the North.

"And from a Midlands MP too.

"Levelling up was only ever a soundbite."

Another X user said: "Wow, what an appalling statement from the deputy chair of the ruling party.

"Disgraceful."

One Bradfordian added: "I'm from Bradford and I'll remember that comment."

Mr Anderson was elected Tory MP for Ashfield in the 2019 general election.

A Brexit-backing former Labour councillor, he has a history of making controversial comments on a range of issues, including food banks, nuisance tenants and England footballers taking the knee. 

There is widespread expectation that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will axe the northern leg of the HS2 line due to cost concerns, but he has refused to settle speculation or even confirm whether a decision has been made.

Earlier this year, it emerged a decision to scrap a new rail station in Bradford - as part of the proposed Northern Powerhouse Rail - will be revisited by the Government.

The Telegraph & Argus has contacted Mr Anderson about his comments - but has not yet received a response.