Andrew Griffith, the minister for science and research, has denied levelling up is a new gimmick as the Tories today announce a £320 million fund to help improve 30 towns, predominantly targeting Tory-held seats.

The pledge adds to a programme that has already given funds to 70 different towns across the country to be spent on regeneration efforts such as improving High Streets.

Speaking to Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Griffiths said that voters want “pride in their towns” and underscored that the move was “not a new gimmick”.

“It’s an existing tried and tested policy that’s already working. And it’s of course all over the UK,” he said.

It comes as the two main parties today launch their campaign battle buses for the general election.

Sir Keir Starmer is due to speak at Labour’s launch event this morning, before the bus embarks on a 5,000 mile journey from West London. While Rishi Sunak is also scheduled to speak during campaign visits in north east England. 

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