Andy Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, has urged residents to back the Labour candidate in the forthcoming mayoral by-election, which was triggered after he was elected as the Labour MP for Makerfield. The election, scheduled for Thursday, will determine who replaces Burnham in the top regional role.
Burnham, who served as mayor for eight years, stepped down after winning the parliamentary seat in a recent by-election. He is now actively campaigning for Bev Craig, the Labour nominee, emphasising the need for continuity and progressive governance in the region. In a statement, Burnham described Craig as a capable leader who understands the challenges facing Greater Manchester, from transport and housing to social care and economic growth.
The by-election comes at a critical time for the region, with voters expressing a range of concerns ahead of the poll. According to interviews conducted with Manchester residents, key issues include the cost of living, public transport reliability, and the state of local services. Some voters have indicated a desire for a mayor who can deliver tangible improvements rather than rely on rhetoric alone.
Burnham’s tenure as mayor was marked by high-profile campaigns on issues such as homelessness, transport investment, and his vocal opposition to the government's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. His departure has created a competitive race, with the Green Party among those fielding candidates. However, Burnham has warned that only a Labour mayor can secure the investment and powers needed from Westminster to address local priorities.
Beyond the immediate election, Burnham has also set his sights on national reform, particularly in social care. In recent comments, he described the social care system as being in deep crisis and has called for a new national care service. He acknowledged the political challenges involved, noting that previous attempts at reform have failed, but expressed confidence that public support is growing. Polling suggests that many voters are concerned about the cost and quality of care, making it a potential deciding factor in the mayoral race.
The Labour campaign has focused on a platform of fairness, investment, and public service improvement. Craig has pledged to continue Burnham’s work on the Bee Network, an integrated transport system, and to push for more affordable housing. She has also committed to tackling child poverty and improving air quality across the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have criticised Labour’s record on local issues. The Green Party candidate has argued for more ambitious climate action, while the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives have highlighted concerns about council tax rises and policing. The outcome of the election will be closely watched as a bellwether for Labour’s performance in northern England ahead of the next general election.
Regardless of the result, Burnham’s influence in regional and national politics is expected to remain significant. As an MP, he will continue to advocate for Greater Manchester’s interests and push for reform on social care, devolution, and public health. For now, his focus is on ensuring that Labour retains the mayoralty, arguing that the region cannot afford to slow down the progress made over the past decade.
