A CAMPAIGN to see Blackburn with Darwen promoted to city status is not doomed to failure because of Jack Straw's job as Home Secretary, claims a council chief.

Bookmaker William Hill has made the borough a 33-1 outsider in the race to become Britain's millennium city.

It rates 26th out of the 37 bidders and one of the reasons for the low rating is thought to be borough MP Jack Straw's top job in the government.

The Home Office will review the city bids and recommend to the Queen which should be chosen.

But council leaders say Mr Straw's position should not be a drawback, and there should be no allegations of favouritism if the the area is chosen.

Deputy Council leader Bill Taylor said: "The fact that our MP happens to be the Home Secretary should not discredit what is a very valid claim.

"As far as we are concerned, his being Home Secretary is neither for or against us.

"The Home Secretary's integrity is not in question here and if Blackburn with Darwen was granted city status it would be because we have put together the most convincing case for it.

"We have put together a series of overwhelming arguments based around our success as a unitary authority and our record of achievement as a borough renowned for its regeneration initiatives which we believe place us high on the list of candidates."

Guildford has been quoted by William Hill as 12-1 favourite in the race, with Preston, Bolton and Warrington all given a better chance than Blackburn with Darwen.

Blackpool, Stockport, Inverness, Paisley, Aberystwyth, Doncaster, Luton and Middlesbrough have been put on a par with the area by the bookie.

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