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.
7. Mecca Bingo
Mecca Bingo is just one of the businesses which will be bulldozed for the works.
8. New station site
A new station will be created which will require 26 businesses to be demolished. A burial ground, two Grade II listed buildings and the Roman Road 712 route will be 'permanently affected' by HS2.
9. Weet Wood land
Land required for construction would mean temporary loss of 75 per cent of Weet Wood, near Micklefield, of which 25 per cent would be permanently bulldozed. 15 per cent of Hawk's Nest Wood will also be gone.
10. Hunslet businesses
The route in Hunslet, Leeds will require 25 businesses to be knocked down including The Queens at Stourton Public House and Leeds Specialist Autism Services.
