Statement from Cllr Alan Lamb, Chair of the Inclusive Growth, Culture & Sport Scrutiny Board

“Scrutiny Board received details of the 2023 bid in July 2017 and expressed its support, recognising the cultural and economic value a successful bid could have to the city and the wider region and in light of this as chair of the board, I want to express both my disappointment in the decision by the European Commission and support for those representatives from the bidding UK cities who met with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport this week.

“Scrutiny board has been continuing to track progress of the bid and has now asked for an update on the issues and options at its next meeting on 13^th December 2017. As ever, we will carry out this important cross party work in a calm & measured way.

“Moving forward, the Board remains keen to ensure that all the hard work, energy and enthusiasm demonstrated so far is still harnessed as part of the city’s own Culture Strategy, with an ongoing commitment to still make Leeds a recognised city of culture.”