TRACY Brabin's team has defended her "trade mission" to America - after a national group representing taxpayers branded it a "self-important jolly abroad".

West Yorkshire's Mayor has been visiting Nashville, Tennessee, in a week-long trip she claimed would put the county "firmly on the map for international trade and investment".

However, UK pressure group the TaxPayers' Alliance criticised the visit.

The Telegraph & Argus asked West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) how much taxpayers' money was being spent on the trip - but a WYCA spokesperson said they were "unable to provide a full or approximate costing while the trade mission is underway".

The T&A has requested the figure be made public once the visit has finished.

Elliot Keck, head of campaigns at the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "Local taxpayers will be miffed at their Mayor's foreign mission.

"Instead of delivering for the residents of West Yorkshire, the Mayor has decided to go on a self-important jolly abroad.

"Rather than role-playing as a trade envoy, she should pack her suitcase and get back to West Yorkshire."

A number of T&A readers have also raised concerns over the trip.

Robert Narey said politicians "should think about taking expensive trips abroad when lots of communities need money spending on local resources".

Peter Jackson said Mayor Brabin was having a "free jolly".

"Another one on the gravy train," Patrick Kerry added.

Other readers said Mayor Brabin's "time would be better spent finally getting Bradford Interchange sorted" - a reference to the city's main bus station which was shut in January and remains closed.

Bradford Interchange bus station has been shut for 10 monthsBradford Interchange bus station has been shut for 10 months (Image: Newsquest)

A WYCA spokesperson said: "Our trade missions have successfully achieved a multi-million pound return on investment, from securing 1,000 jobs from tech firm Mphasis in India, to signing a UK-first landmark partnership with Nashville, which will create jobs and prosperity for West Yorkshire for future generations.

"The Mayor is a formidable force for the region, and has developed trade and investment relationships as ambassador for West Yorkshire that will stand the test of time as we create a stronger, brighter region."

'Ground-breaking new partnership' signed

On Thursday, WYCA said Mayor Brabin and Nashville's Mayor had signed an agreement to "boost West Yorkshire's health technology sector".

According to WYCA, the "landmark agreement will help encourage the flow of trade, investment and knowledge sharing between the two regions".

A WYCA spokesperson said: "The Mayors plan to establish a 'Healthtech Bridge' connecting both sides of the Atlantic.

"In practice, this would mean greater partnership working between the two regions’ businesses, universities, chambers of commerce and regional Government authorities.

"It will see the UK and USA working together to overcome shared healthcare challenges through the use of technology."

Mayor Brabin said: "This ground-breaking new partnership with Nashville will deliver real results at home - new jobs, more investment and better care for patients.

"It's a major vote of confidence in West Yorkshire - and a testament to the strength of our healthtech sector, the talent in our universities and the innovation of our businesses.

"By working together, our great regions will reignite growth and transform the lives of patients worldwide as we work to build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all."

Nashville Mayor's Freddie O'Connell added: "I am excited to collaborate with West Yorkshire in a way that will improve health outcomes for residents of both cities.

"Nashville has a strong history of work and innovation in the health care sector, and a partnership with excellent minds overseas ensures that will continue to flourish."

Before jetting off to America, Mayor Brabin said: "By coming together with business to champion our great region abroad, we'll attract investment, create good jobs and put more money in people's pockets.

"This public-private trade mission will help our businesses to grow and succeed by opening up export and investment opportunities in a stronger, brighter region.

"And here at home, our investments in transport, skills and homes will help create the right environment for growth by connecting businesses to the talent and finance they need to succeed."

According to WYCA, trade in goods and services between West Yorkshire and the US is worth more than £4 billion, with almost 2,000 local businesses exporting goods to the US.