Perth gaining city status would be accompanied by “a new civic pride,” it has been claimed.
Long-time campaigner Pete Wishart said the town is “supremely placed” to become Scotland’s seventh city.
Mr Wishart, who is standing for re-election in Perth and North Perthshire, met Provost John Hulbert on Thursday to discuss the bid and said it should be a priority for the area’s next MP.
Perth is already celebrating its 800th birthday a cornerstone of the city bid.
The royal charter was awarded to Perth by King William I in 1210, when the town was considered the nation’s capital.
Mr Wishart insists it can once again be regarded as one of the country’s key areas.
He said, “Securing city status for Perth could be considered the most important local task for Perth and North Perthshire’s next MP.
“It will bring extra tourism, economic activity and a new civic pride to Perth and Perthshire.”
Mr Hulbert is just as enthusiastic.
He said, “City status is in the gift of the Crown, on the advice of Westminster ministers.
“The campaigning work over the last year by Pete Wishart and the council has ensured that the civil service in London and Westminster MPs of all parties are well aware of Perth’s ambitions.”
He added, “It has also ensured us pole position in the competition for city status which will take place in early 2012 on the occasion of the Queen’s diamond jubilee.”