Speaking at an online event run by the Policy Exchange think tank at the end of May, Mr Shapps said HS2 would be built in full and might be delivered earlier than previously planned.
"We are going to complete HS2 and include HS2 on the eastern leg to Leeds, " he said.
"The only question that we have is how to better integrate that with plans which have developed a very long way since HS2 was first dreamt up all those decades ago. That particularly pertains to the northern powerhouse rail."
He said that while it was originally thought the benefits of HS2 would come by 2040 or 2050, “we think we could bring that forward quite dramatically by building it in a smarter way”.
Currently, the HS2 route through Leeds cuts through several housing estates and cuts across motorways which will cause years of disruption and delays for demolition and construction.
Those in favour of HS2 argue it will boost the north's economy and free up capacity on local routes.
This is how Leeds will be affected, according to HS2's own documents, if the route goes ahead as originally planned.
1. ASDA HQ in Leeds
Asda's national headquarters in Leeds City Centre will be demolished if the current route goes ahead as planned.
2. Bus diversions
Roads which will be closed include Neville Street and the A653. This means 13 different bus routes will have to be diverted for years while works are completed, with bus stops moved.
3. City on-street car parking
Roads in the area around Myrtle Street, Holmes Street, Kidacre Street, Sovereign Street as well as New Lane will be affected by construction, including the permanent loss of car parking on roads.
4. Hilton Hotel Leeds
The hotel is one of 26 businesses set to be knocked down for HS2 to be built in the current plans.
5. Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road
As well as 11 roads being permanently closed, a playing pitch and part of the outdoor space associated with Hunslet Club on Hillidge Road will be demolished.
6. Delays on the M621
There will be delays on the M621 in Leeds at junctions 2 and 3, as well as the A58(M), the A61, Hunslet Road, Neville Street, the A653, Wellington Street, Aire Street, Princes Square and several others.