LEEDS is to push on with its bid to be crowned the 2023 European Capital of Culture.
The council’s executive board agreed to support the move and now work on drawing up a detailed expression of interest bid, which must be submitted by December 2016, will begin in earnest.
The decision follows a 14 month public consultation which found 77 per cent of the 3,000 residents asked supported the idea.
Otley’s MP Greg Mulholland is among those publicly backing the bid, and has hailed Leeds as a “strong contender”.
Leeds City Council leader Councillor Keith Wakefield said: “It is exciting to say Leeds has now set off on its journey to become the 2023 European Capital of Culture.
“The Tour de France last year showed what we can achieve and I am confident this can be replicated through our Capital of Culture bid.
“If it is to be successful, it is vital the bid comes right from the heart and fabric of the city.”
The University of Leeds, meanwhile, has announced it will be supporting the bid to the tune of £75,000 a year, over a three year period.
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