Keighley MP backs bid to move channel

Mr Grogan has offered his support to efforts to make Leeds the new home for the broadcaster and called for a Channel 4 training academy to be established in Keighley.

The Conservative Party’s general election manifesto committed it to relocating Channel 4 out of London.

In a letter to Sally Joynson, chief executive of the Screen Yorkshire organisation which is spearheading the Leeds bid, Mr Grogan wrote: “There is no reason at all for the channel, which is basically a commissioner of programmes, to stay in expensive offices in the centre of London.

“Leeds would be ideal as the base for the main Channel 4 building with its history of programme production at Yorkshire TV, at BBC Yorkshire and at many independent companies.

“It is essential though that if this bid is to be different it includes something extra. The idea of a Channel 4 Training Academy being set up in Bradford is truly innovative and I have had discussions already with the leader of Bradford Council about this being sited in Keighley.”