SOUTHAMPTON could become one of the UK's major cities should it be successful in a bid to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

A total of 12 cities are vying for Lord Provost or Lord Mayor status as part of a competition to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

Southampton has gone for Lord Mayor status which could see it named as one of the UK's major cities should the bid be successful.

The move has been supported by the city's MPs who say the city would be "a great destination" for a Lord Mayor.

Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith said: "Southampton would be a great destination for a Lord Mayor.

"Next year Southampton will see the appointment of its 800th Mayor and it would seem a fitting celebration of the incredible history of our city if this coincides with us being granted Lord Mayor status by Her Majesty the Queen."

Alan Whitehead, MP for Southampton Test said: "I think that this will be great for the city, particularly in our bid for City of Culture."

Southampton will be up against Bath, Inverness, Newport and Lancaster, as well as Newport and Perth – which previously won city status to mark the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilees respectively.

As well as this, 39 places across the UK and British Overseas Territories could be granted city status.

Bournemouth, Reading, Doncaster and Blackburn are some of the 22 towns in England wishing to become cities.

The competition is part of celebrations to mark the Queen’s historic 70-year reign, with a special four-day bank holiday weekend set to start on Thursday June 2.

As part of their bids, applicants were asked to talk about the distinct identity and community which they feel means their area deserves to become a city, as well as evidence of links to royalty.

Unlike previous Civic Honours competitions, an expert panel will work closely with ministers to make their recommendations, which will then be approved by the Queen.

The final decision will be taken in spring 2022 and announced shortly afterwards.

The Daily Echo contacted Southampton City Council for a comment but they did not respond before the paper went to print.