DEVOLUTION to the Yorkshire region could benefit rural parts as much as the urban centres of the West Riding, a county MP has said.

Kevin Hollinrake has said there is still “room for negotiation” in the congested devolution debate in Yorkshire.

Conservative Mr Hollinrake, who was elected to the Thirsk and Malton seat in May, has said the chance of a Greater Yorkshire devolution deal taking in the North and West Yorkshire, the East Riding, as York and Hull, still exists, despite a strong push for a West Yorkshire only deal from some political leaders.

He said: “We have got to focus on what is going to achieve the most on the challenges we have. Our biggest challenge is getting more investment, particularly in transport but also things like skills, broadband and also tackling the health and social care challenges we have. This isn’t just about a quick fix or an political opportunity, this is about an economic prosperity opportunity.”

“Do I think those challenges are best met having a divided Yorkshire? No, I don’t.”

Regional devolution would help address inequalities which lead to the north of England struggling with just 15 per cent of the investment levels seen in the south, he added.

The former estate agent believes political will in Westminster favours “more ambitious” plans like the proposed Greater Yorkshire deal, over the more parochial Leeds City Region or York, North Yorkshire, East Riding and Hull deals.

At present there are six bids for Yorkshire devolution being considered by the Government, and there have been reports of advanced talks on a bid led by Leeds City Region which would including West Yorkshire, York, and could stretch to Harrogate, Selby and Craven; but would exclude other parts of North Yorkshire.

Mr Hollinrake said he does not believe the Leeds City Region ambitious would derail the more ambitious plans.

He added: “Would one of two individuals try to obstruct an opportunity for the whole of Greater Yorkshire? I do not think so.”

His comments were an echo of the leader of North Yorkshire County Council Carl Les, who last week said he did not believe the Government would push ahead with any deal until all the options – including the Greater Yorkshire bids – were fully explored.