BIRMINGHAM’S Tory council leader has taken personal credit for bringing the money-spinning Conservative conference to the city.

Coun Mike Whitby said he “personally signed up the party” in 2008, when the Tories brought their annual bash to the ICC for the first time.

The conference returned last year and will be back in 2012, generating millions of pounds for the city centre economy through hotel and restaurant bookings.

The Mail revealed on Tuesday how Coun Whitby ran up a £3,750 bill for a five-night stay at the luxury Hyatt Hotel during the 2008 conference, with the entire tab picked up by the taxpayer.

But he yesterday defended his decision to hire a suite and stay at the hotel in 2008 and last year so he could be on hand to meet top Tories, despite totting up a combined bill of almost £6,000 during the two conferences for accommodation, meals and drinks.

Coun Whitby was criticised by Labour for passing the bill on to the council but he said it was justified because he was promoting Birmingham.

The 2008 Conservative conference presented a “golden opportunity” to influence the future Government, he told a full council meeting.