Pulling a Priestley

Common phrase used in Worksop to describe someone who agrees to go out for a drink, game of golf, game of poker etc. Then generally a day to 10 minutes before the start of the event a phonecall or text message comes through to say that they can't make it.

Tony : Have we got a full table for the poker game tonight?
Mike : Well we did have , but I've just had a text message from Chris and he's bailed out.
Tony : He's Pulling a Priestley?
Mike : Yes the bald bastard has done me again.