THE train looks set to cause more strain between the Prime Minister and Dudley South MP Chris Kelly.

Mr Kelly was among 34 Conservative MPs to vote against a parliamentary bill paving the way for the high-speed HS2 rail project.

His boss, David Cameron, is a keen supporter of the plan but Mr Kelly, like Labour shadow chancellor Ed Balls, has concerns about cost.

Mr Kelly said: "I support infrastructure spending, but only when I have been convinced that it represents extremely good value for taxpayers' money.

"I have very real concerns about the projected costs of HS2 which are now much higher than earlier estimates."

With support for the bill on both sides of the House of Commons Mr Kelly said it was clear the bill would pass with a sizeable majority.

He added: "My vote in the House of Commons reflected concern about the cost of the project which I fear will escalate further. I was under no illusion that the bill wouldn't be passed."

Mr Kelly has previously been forced to deny reports David Cameron reduced him to tears with a four-letter word filled tirade after he rebelled in a Commons vote over Europe in 2011.

He is now keen to avoid the media spotlight over HS2 - which may prove difficult after his boss told business leaders at the CBI that people who are against HS2 are "putting our country's future at risk".

Mr Cameron added: "I want to make sure we get every penny of value for money from this HS2 investment.

"I think it is fantastic that Sir David Higgins - the man who built the Olympics on time and on budget - is going to be running HS2."

Sources in the Conservative Party were also quick to point out an analysis by KPMG shows that HS2 would add between £1.5 billion and £3.1 billion per year to the midlands economy and increased growth would benefit business in Dudley.

Mr Kelly declined to comment further on his stance against HS2 and said he preferred to let his voting record in parliament "do the talking".