Yorkshire's Tory MPs band together to demand better deal for the region

About a dozen Tory MPs – mostly from West Yorkshire and many of them newly elected – met for the first time yesterday and are already seeking a meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron.

By joining forces and meeting fortnightly they hope to wield more power and influence to press the case for the region. Yesterday's initial meeting included discussions over the future of Yorkshire Forward, the work of Business Link, the desire for stronger relations with local authorities and the need for a fair deal on Whitehall funding.

Keighley and Ilkley MP Kris Hopkins, one of those who was at the discussions, said: "Despite having a significant number of Yorkshire MPs sitting in Cabinet in the last Labour Government, I did not believe our region fared particularly well in comparison with many other parts of the country including the South East and, closer to home, the North West.

"We are not seeking favouritism for Yorkshire but a fair deal for everyone who lives here. And, for the record, that is what I believe we will get under the new Coalition Government.

"But Yorkshire Conservative MPs must play their full part in advising ministers, suggesting policies that best fit Yorkshire and pointing out where particular action is required."

The idea for the block has come from the large influx of new Tory MPs in the region. Most are from West Yorkshire, although Skipton and Ripon's Julian Smith, York Outer's Julian Sturdy and Nigel Adams, who represents Selby and Ainsty, are also teaming up with them.

Other Tory MPs in the region will also be encouraged to take part, and the group will even host an event at the party conference in Birmingham in October as they seek to wield influence.

Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney welcomed it as a "great idea" and said Mr Cameron's officials had been positive about the possibility of setting up a meeting with the Prime Minister.

"We've been working together as candidates but we're now formally starting to work together as MPs," he said.

"South Yorkshire has done very well in recent years and it's not about taking anything away from anyone, it's about making sure every part of Yorkshire gets a strong voice.

"We can go to the Prime Minister and Ministers as a block group of MPs working together – it opens doors."