We weren’t shortlisted as we’re not a ‘culture desert’

PHYSICAL DESERT. Tory council leader Mike Jones says Chester wasn't shortlisted for the 2017 UK City of Culture crown because the selectors don't think it would benefit. He says Chester is no longer described as a "cultural desert."

Mike Jones, leader of the Conservative-led Cheshire West and Chester Council, made the comments after the city failed to make the 2017 shortlist.

He said: “Five years ago when we took over control of the council, Chester was being described as a cultural desert. We have done so much in the last five years, and invested so much money in it, I think we have passed the point where people who are making the selection feel it will be of benefit.”

He said he didn’t think there would be any point bidding for the title again.

“I don’t think it’s of value for us to bid again. I think what we should do is build on the really great work the council has done over the last four-and-a-half years and continue that investment and improve the quality.”

His Labour colleague, Justin Madders said: “Spinning this embarrassing failure as a success shows how out-of-touch the Tories are. If we didn’t win the bid because our offer was so good already, then somebody hasn’t done their homework. They ought to have known this before the bid was made.”

Dundee, Hull, Leicester and Swansea Bay have been shorlisted for the 2017 award.