KEIGHLEY MP Robbie Moore is to meet Government ministers as part of his campaign to 'break away' from Bradford Council.

He raised the issue during Prime Minister's Questions, and was told by Rishi Sunak that a meeting would be arranged.

Mr Moore – supported by fellow Conservative MP, Shipley's Philip Davies – wants to see smaller unitary authorities being created through his Local Authority Boundaries (Referendums) Bill, which had its second reading in the Commons earlier this year.

He accuses Labour-run Bradford Council of "ignoring" Keighley residents and failing to represent their best interests.

But Labour has described his campaign as "bizarre".

Mr Moore told Prime Minister's Questions: "For too long, Bradford Council has failed to represent the best interests of my constituents, whether in its catastrophic failures on children's services, its inability to invest our own council tax back into Keighley and Ilkley, or its refusal to instigate a review into child sexual exploitation across the Bradford district.

"Local residents and I are fed up of being ignored by Bradford Council – and we want out."

Mr Sunak said: "I know my honourable friend is a passionate campaigner on this issue, having even introduced a Private Members' Bill on it earlier this year.

"I agree that his council should be working to ensure that it delivers good services for all its residents, including his constituents."

Speaking afterwards, Mr Moore added: "Residents are fed up with Bradford Council ignoring our area and constantly trying to shift the blame for its own failures."

Bradford Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe has previously argued against the proposal to split the district, saying it does not make sense to set up two local authorities as it would double the costs.

She adds that the local authority will always stand up for the whole district and promote investment and opportunity in Keighley.

Labour's Sarah Owen, the shadow minister for Levelling Up, Housing, Communities and Local Government, described Mr Moore's bill as a "bizarre piece of legislation".

She added: "It is a shame that Mr Moore used his opportunity to speak in the House about local government by advocating for unneeded changes to boundaries rather than calling for existing councils to be adequately supported.

"If things are so bad – they already have a Tory MP and a Tory Government – the possibility of a Tory-run local authority probably is not going to help the situation."