A Tory minister has faced backlash after describing Blackpool and Birmingham as "godawful".
Heather Wheeler, a junior Cabinet Office minister was speaking at an event in London to launch the Tories new digital strategy.
"I was at a conference at, I dunno, Blackpool or Birmingham, somewhere godawful,” she told the audience, before making her official speech.
Her comments come days after a damning report from the Commons public accounts committee said the Government had gambled taxpayers' money on levelling up policies which amounted to "little more than a slogan".
Despite billions spent on a series of schemes to boost local growth over recent years the government "still does not have a strong understanding of what works", the committee said.
Shadow Levelling Up secretary Lisa Nandy said: “This comment reveals the Conservatives’ true colours.
"It’s no wonder the Tories are failing so miserably to level up our great towns and cities if this is what they truly think.”
Apologising, Ms Wheeler said: "Whilst speaking at a conference on Thursday, I made an inappropriate remark that does not reflect my actual view.
"I apologise for any offence caused."
Her comments were made hours after Boris Johnson gave an important housing policy speech in Birmingham.
Mr Johnson said: "Blackpool is the second biggest destination for tourists outside London in the UK," said Johnson on Thursday during his visit.
"It’s massive, we think it’s got great potential.”
