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Brown backs super casino

27/ 4/2007

WOULD-BE Prime Minister Gordon Brown gave his backing to the Manchester super casino during a visit to the city on Tuesday.

The Chancellor, widely considered the man destined to leap into Tony Blair's shoes when he steps down this summer, told a national TV station he supported the independent panel's decision to award the city the contract.

He said: "That's what I voted for but unfortunately the House of Lords has set it back.

"I voted for it and I want to see it go through. We have to resolve this."

He made his comments during a visit to Chorlton High School, despite his dislike of gambling and less than warm reception to Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell's casino expansion plan.

That wasn't a worry to city council leader Sir Richard Leese yesterday as he expressed his delight over Mr Brown's comments.

"I was stood right next to him as he said it - but not with his arm up his back!" said Councillor Leese. "What he said was very positive, very clear, and he said he expected Tessa Jowell to bring proposals forward in the next few weeks. We couldn't have expected more from him really."

Asked if he was surprised that Mr Brown was suddenly coming out strongly in favour : "No, because it's not really about that. He actually sees the benefits of the proposals in a regulated environment far outweigh any disbenefits.

"What we saw was the man who is expected to be Prime Minister making a public show of support and that's what we need.

"He was also very positive about the economic growth in Manchester over the last few years and the need to keep it going. Now we have the present leader and the future leader saying 3,000 jobs in East Manchester needs to happen."