Former MP is scathing over U-turn on museum

THE FALL-OUT surrounding Kirklees Council’s decision not to create a National Rugby League Museum within Huddersfield’s famous George Hotel could affect potential future investment in the town, a former MP has warned.

David Hinchliffe, a former Labour MP for Wakefield, is a lifelong rugby aficionado and a member of the independent panel that chose Kirklees’ bid for the museum.

In a scathing attack, he branded the council “dysfunctional” and said he failed to understand how it could change direction on a scheme which the authority was so strongly committed to just 18 months ago.

Mr Hinchliffe said there had been a “lack of honest straighttalking” from council leaders on the museum project.

He said: “It’s hard for me to see any way forward. It’s left the Rugby League and (the charity) Rugby League Cares completely in limbo.

“And it’s left those of us on the panel – and who voted for the Kirklees bid – looking like complete idiots.

“From the experience we have had, if I was an investor looking to come in to Huddersfield, I would be very, very cautious.”

Kirklees Council has maintained that it “remains committed” to bringing the museum to Huddersfield.

The Kirklees district was selected to host the museum in June 2020 following the presentation by senior council staff and the delivery of a 22-page bid document. The thrust of the council’s bid was the George Hotel – the birthplace of rugby league in 1895 – which was described as “the linchpin”.

But senior councillor Peter McBride has said the notion of the museum is “incompatible” with running a commercial hotel, and has offered space within the “cultural heart” being conceived as part of the so-called Huddersfield Blueprint to regenerate the town.