A VOTE will be taken at a meeting of the full council next week, which if passed, will see councillors 'across all political hues' supporting a bid to host the Great British Railways Headquarters.

Carlisle City Council will meet at the Civic Centre on March 1 and councillor James Bainbridge will propose a motion which is set to receive cross party support.

The Conservative member for Morton West will propose that the council supports Carlisle's bid to host the Great British Railways Headquarters.

The UK Government launched a competition in October 2021 to find the first headquarters for Great British Railways - a single accountable body for the country's railways.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said that the national organisation will be based outside of London and the town or city that is successful in hosting the headquarters will be rich in railway history.

Carlisle City Council's officers are in the process of submitting an expression of interest, collaborating with partner organisations and the city's MP John Stevenson.

Cllr Bainbridge's motion will call on councillors across the political spectrum to support them in the bid.

Cllr Bainbridge told the Local Democracy Service: "The Government announcement of a new headquarters for GB Railways, outside of London, will be an economic boost to whichever town or city is successful in the application process, bringing in skilled and well-paid job opportunities.

"I've no doubt that there will be many applications sent in from across the UK, but Carlisle has a proud rail heritage, is a serious rail player today in terms of freight and passenger movements.

"With the Government backed improvements at the station and the prospect of Carlisle becoming the HS2 stop for Cumbria, we have a great and positive application to make."

Cllr Bainbridge said that passing the motion would be a sign of 'political goodwill' for officers from the council's five political groupings.

And cross party support is expected for the motion next week.

Leader of the opposition Les Tickner said: "We would absolutely support anything that's going to bring quality careers and jobs to the city."

The Labour leader said that Carlisle has a strong chance in the siting competition.

"Carlisle has a strong rail history, all my family worked on the rail, me and my brother were the only ones who didn't.

"I think we've got a good chance with some excellent officers working on it. You can see the success we had with the Borderlands Deal."