South Yorkshire Conservative MPs challenge Boris Johnson to give north of England ‘roadmap out of lockdown’

The MPs - Nick Fletcher for Don Valley and Alexander Stafford for Rother Valley - have both signed the letter alongside 53 other Conservative MPs in northern England, saying that the virus "has exposed in sharp relief the deep structural and systemic disadvantage faced by our communities".

The letter came a week after the Tory lawmakers voted down Labour's free school meals during the holidays - a campaign initiated by Manchester United star Marcus Rashford.

Led by former northern powerhouse minister Jake Berry, the letter published on Monday (October 26) expresses concerns "that the cost of Covid could be paid for by the downgrading of the levelling-up agenda, and northern constituencies like ours will be left behind".

The letter wrote: "We believe this would threaten to undermine the government's hard-won mandate in December, at a time when the political and economic case for the levelling-up agenda we have been elected to deliver has never been more essential".

The MPs are also calling for the Prime Minister's support to create a pathway down the tiering system and to create a Northern Economic Recovery Plan to help their constituents build back better out of the health crisis.

Mr Stafford, in a Facebook post published on Tuesday (October 27) said he signed his name to ensure constituencies like Rother Valley are able to build back better from the Coronavirus.

He wrote: "I hope this brings some assurance to my constituents that despite this pandemic, I remain steadfast in my commitment to levelling up and creating opportunity and growth here in our local community.

"I understand there are tough days ahead, but please know I am here to help whether by phone, video call or email. So please do get in touch with my office if there is anything more we can do to help during this time."

The Star attempted to contact Conservative MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, Miriam Cates, who did not appear to be among the signatories, for comments.