Political party calling for Australian GP move

An Australian political party has called for the Grand Prix in Melbourne to be moved to New South Wales.

The Victorian Greens said that taxpayers cost two in every three dollars pent on the event, totalling $61m (just under £38 million).

"Victorians are sick of tens of millions being wasted on this event every year for the sake of a dwindling number of spectators,"  Victorian Greens’ spokeswoman, Sue Pennicuik said. "If [the NSW premier] Mike Baird still wants the Grand Prix, Victoria should let NSW have it."

However, Victoria premier Daniel Andrews is known to be a strong supporter of the race, and boasted on social media last September when a new contract was signed securing the race until at least 2023.

"I’m sorry Mike but the Australian Formula One Grand Prix is here to stay exactly where it belongs, in the great city of Melbourne," Andrews said then. "In fact, I’ll even shout you a ticket."

The 'Mike' he was referring to is New South Wales premier Mike Baird, who is keen to move the Grand Prix to the state, using a street circuit which would include the Sydney Harbour Bridge.