HULL could lead the way in implementing a radical plan to boost regional autonomy and economic growth outlined by Lord Heseltine earlier this year.
City MP Alan Johnson said: "We want to be a pilot – a pathfinder – for the Heseltine plan."
The Hull West and Hessle MP's comments followed an "extremely constructive" meeting with Cities Minister Greg Clark to discuss Hull's bid for "City Deal" status.
This, like Lord Heseltine's proposals, could see Hull gain more control over funds currently administered by Westminster.
Mr Johnson said: "We believe that devolving funding and authority, giving us the ability to get around some barriers in Government as Heseltine proposed, would be excellent for us. That was our message to Greg Clark.
"Not all the places bidding for City Deal status will be successful so we want to make sure we're not one of the unsuccessful ones."
Mr Clark is set to visit Hull on January 9 to meet representatives of Siemens and Associated British Ports, as well as the Humberside Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
In his report, titled No Stone Unturned, Lord Heseltine proposed giving LEPs greater access to a £50bn pot of cash currently controlled by Government departments in London.
The idea has attracted significant support, both within the coalition Government and Labour politicians such as Hull's three MPs.
Mr Johnson said: "Having been involved in setting up LEPs and also having seen both the problems and opportunities in Hull, I don't think anyone better than Greg Clark could be coming up on January 9. Our meeting was a prelude to that visit. He gave us stuff to think about, and we gave him things to chew over."
Hull East MP Karl Turner, who also attended the meeting, said he was "reassured" that Mr Clark was on "our side".
"He's a friend of Hull, and is obviously impressed with what the city's trying to do," he said.
"Greg clearly has a good relationship with Steve Brady, which is quite a positive thing."
Hull North MP Diana Johnson agreed.
She said: "Our meeting with Greg Clark was constructive and I hope the city region status idea will play some role in helping to turn round Hull's economy."
Hull's City Deal bid has to be submitted by end of this year, ahead of a final decision in March.
10
