William Hague embraced cultural diversity in Bradford yesterday, with just six days to go before the General Election.

Fenced in by TV crews, cameras and journalists, rows of specially invited local Muslim leaders listened attentively to the Conservative leader as he declared that their family and educational values held true with the party's policies.

And he vowed that bringing people from ethnic minorities into the party was a priority.

"I want to change forever the appeal of the Conservative Party for British Asians," he said. "If we are to govern for all the people, we must be representative of all the people."

Greeting his audience, which was smaller than expected, Mr Hague said the Muslim community made an outstanding contribution to the strength, prosperity and success of not just Bradford, but to the whole country.

"I always stress 'our' country because as a Conservative, I believe in one nation," he said. "The fact that the United Kingdom is made up of different communities with a variety of different cultures and traditions greatly enriches our national life."

To applause he added: "I believe in a Britain where intolerance, bigotry and racism are rooted out and replaced by genuine openness, genuine inclusivity and genuine tolerance."

The event saw the launch of a new report outlining Conservative plans to support families, faith groups, local schools and charities.

Before his speech, Mr Hague told the Telegraph & Argus that everyone must work together, including the police, to eliminate racial tension.

The Conservative-led Council was already doing a great deal for Bradford, including launching programmes such as Bradford's bid for the European City of Culture, he added.

If elected, a Conservative Government would also give greater benefits to schools.

He said: "I think our other policies of reducing petrol tax and increasing the number of police in West Yorkshire, given the reduction there has been, will also be of benefit."

He refused to be drawn on the fate of Conservative councillor Intkhab Alam, who faces allegations of arranging documents for illegal immigrants for a fee. But he did say that the Conservative group had taken the right action in suspending him while inquiries took place.

He also described reports of possible ballot-rigging due to a surge in postal votes as "deplorable".

"I certainly hope that there has been no such interference," he said.

He revealed that he is a regular visitor to his local curry house near his constituency home in Richmond, North Yorkshire.

Asked whether he liked curry, Mr Hague said: "I do actually. I'm very fond of chicken tikka with a bit of sag bhaji and a naan. And a bit of Indian beer to go with it."

And despite the opinion polls, Mr Hague still refused to concede defeat in the Election.

"We are ready for victory and are getting good feedback in Bradford," he smiled. "We have got some excellent candidates and they are going to do very well."

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@bradford.newsquest.co.uk