Leicester mayor hits back after Essex MP's 'absolute dumps' remark
City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby has hit back after an Essex MP branded some of the contenders for the UK 2017 City of Culture crown "absolute dumps".
Tory MP David Amess, 60, is backing his home town of Southend-on-Sea to win the title and took to the airwaves to give a radio interview about its rivals, including Leicester.
Mr Amess said many of the cities hoping to win the title "wouldn't know culture if it was put in front of them".
He said: "I have looked at some of the competition and frankly they are absolute dumps, some of them."
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Mr Amess, who represents Southend West, said the town had been "under-rated".
Sir Peter chairs a consortium putting together Leicester's bid to succeed Derry-Londonderry, in Northern Ireland, the current holder of the title.
The former Labour MP for Leicester South said: "I'm not sure if someone from Southend should be making that kind of comment about other cities. Somebody once remarked to me they had been to Southend and, even after three washes, could not get the smell of mud and fish out of their clothes.
"I once, for charity, walked from Southend to London. We left at midnight but I am assured that was the best time to see it."
Mr Amess, an MP for more than 30 years, said: "'Dump' is, of course, quite a strong word but I was being entirely tongue in cheek.
"What I would say is let battle commence! Of course, I think Southend will have the best bid.
"I did go to Leicester many, many years ago to Grace Road to watch some cricket. It was a lovely ground but frankly I don't remember much else about the city.
"I do think it is absolutely fantastic you've found Richard III – even if you concreted over him.
"I think you should have Keith (Vaz) leading your bid with his karaoke. Grease, wasn't it? Keith is a great friend of mine but I almost fell off my seat when I saw him singing."
Other contenders include Chester, Hull, Swansea Bay, Plymouth, Aberdeen, East Kent, Dundee, Portsmouth and Southampton and Hastings and Bexhill-on-Sea.
Pensioner Jan Leatherland, 65, from Aylestone, said: "I think it's extremely shortsighted to call anywhere a dump. If you look hard enough there are hidden cultural gems in almost every town and city.
"Leicester's might be a bit hard to spot to an outsider, but this is a chance to show them off."
All 11 areas must submit their bids by the end of April.
An independent panel will decide on a shortlist before the winner is announced in November. It is anticipated the victorious city will see a huge boost to its economy from extra visitors and tourists.
18 Comments
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by cyberandy
Tuesday, March 12 2013, 4:48PM
“Southend Borough Council was criticised as one of the worst financially managed local authorities in England by the Audit Commission. Areas of criticism were the use of consultants and the spending of £3.5 million on taxis. Perhaps the councillors used the taxis to go elsewhere in search of the culture which their own town sadly lacks?”
by Thersites
Monday, March 11 2013, 11:43AM
“What a miserable set of comments. Moan moan moan and in some cases hate hate hate. Get a life and enjoy the city - you very lucky.”
by jimbob6163
Sunday, March 10 2013, 9:46PM
“Went to Southend on sea once, it was enough”
by cyberandy
Sunday, March 10 2013, 2:25PM
“When you've lived in many other UK towns and cities like I have, you soon learn to distinguish between the good and the bad, and Leicester is one of the best. It may be a tad grubby in places - isn't everywhere? Our city (and I was born here) has plenty going for it now and lots of potential for the future, so come on you people, take pride in your city and support Sir Peter and the city council in the bid to become the UK City of Culture.”
by disident3
Sunday, March 10 2013, 9:44AM
“DonHenson
It depends on how you see things in this City. I can see a tourist driving into the City of culture and ripping their car suspension out on one of thousands of potholes. A very good start to visiting our City of culture.”
by DonHenson
Sunday, March 10 2013, 7:05AM
“Going by the comments here, we've lost.
Interesting that so few on here see what potential this City has. But then, when you're part of the problem, you don't see the solutions do you?”
by disident3
Saturday, March 09 2013, 5:48PM
“I have heard young children put up a better argument than Peter and his silly childish response.”
by Stinkypete13
Saturday, March 09 2013, 5:46PM
“So its not ok to call leicester a dump, but its ok to say 3 washes and you couldn't get the smell of mud & fish out, regarding southend..???
A tad hypocritical, mr soulless n'est ce pas?
I'm a proud leicester boy, but there are sections of the city that i would easily describe as dumps..its not just about money either before all you Champagne guzzling lefties spring to life.its about pride, both local and national and a little hard work and care for your community and your neighbours. If people spent less on their 52inch plasmas and a bit more on their gloss paint, alot of these places could be spruced up!”
by Armyoldsweat
Saturday, March 09 2013, 5:05PM
“I've no axe to grind on this issue one way or the other. However, have you EVER really been to 'Saarfen'-on See'? Don't! Good grief, what a God forsaken place!”
by Carty2020
Saturday, March 09 2013, 4:43PM
“I came to Leics In the 50s and was only a young lad.I thought the city was a Lovly place.
Now I have to agree It Is a dump. I no longer go into Leices as i don't fell safe.”