The Yorkshire Committee understands John Major's position and is grateful to him for the understanding he has shown. He has always been the most generous supporter of cricket, including Yorkshire, and his presence at the Opening of the Stand would have given much pleasure to many supporters.

However his decision is fully respected and the Committee will now consider the format of the opening ceremony which will take place as planned prior to the Test Match on Wednesday 15 August.

Friday 3 August 2024

THE RT HON JOHN MAJOR, CH

STATEMENT ON OPENING OF THE HEADINGLEY'S WEST STAND AND SIR LEONARD HUTTON GATES

Yorkshire CCC invited me to open Headingley's West Stand many months ago and I was honoured to accept. I have enjoyed many great cricketing moments at Headingley and was delighted to have the opportunity of repaying, in a small way, some of the warm and generous hospitality Yorkshire has extended to me.

I am, of course, President of Surrey and on the Committee of the MCC. My love for cricket is well known - both at County and International - level. Len Hutton was not only one of Yorkshire's greatest cricketers, he was one of England's greatest too.

The opening of the West Stand and the Sir Leonard Hutton Gates should be a very happy occasion and I do not wish to see it spoiled in any way. Nor do I want - albeit unwittingly - to be the cause of any controversy. I know the Yorkshire Committee wish honourably to stand by their invitation to me: nevertheless, I believe it would be best - for all concerned - for someone else to be invited to perform the ceremony. I hope that it will be a thoroughly enjoyable event for Lady Hutton and Yorkshire and that the sun will shine down on Headingley that day.