SHADOW Minister for Merseyside Chris Grayling last night attacked the Northwest Development Agency, claiming it often made “cack-handed” decisions.

He said it was a “barking” decision by the NWDA to support the building of a computer games centre in Salford, as Liverpool was the leader in this field.

He told business leaders that he would like to see the regional development agencies replaced with local economic partnerships that could make better decisions.

Mr Grayling, who is also shadow Home Secretary, said he believes the Tories could work well with a Labour council in Liverpool.

He said both sides had grown up since the Conservatives clashed with Liverpool Council in the 1980s and 90s.

Liverpool Council is currently controlled by the Liberal Democrats, but could fall into the hands of Labour after May’s local elections as the ruling party currently has a majority of one seat.

The Conservatives, meanwhile, are widely expected to win the next general election. Mr Grayling also said he was unapologetic about comparing Speke with the crime-ridden USA murder capital Baltimore, as depicted in cult TV show, The Wire.

Last night, NWDA chief executive Steve Broomhead said no decision had yet been made about a gaming centre of excellence in Salford and that it was just speculation.

“As far as we are concerned it is business as usual, we are working hard to get this region back into economic growth and we do seem to be making a contribution.”