Thursday 21 May 2026 5:26 am  |  Updated:  Wednesday 20 May 2026 10:48 am

Andy Burnham’s departure could put Manchester’s growth at risk

By: Simon Goacher

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Andy Burnham is not actually obliges to step down as Mayor to contest the Makerfield by-election, but if he does his departure would leave Manchester more susceptible to fragmented national politics, says Simon Goacher

Andy Burnham’s decision to run in the Makerfield by-election is being treated largely as a Westminster comeback – a route back to Parliament and, potentially, a platform for national leadership. Much of the commentary has focused on whether Burnham might lose the contest, and the implications of that nationally. But for those of us who live and work in Greater Manchester, there is an equally significant question – what happens if he does win.

Before answering that question, it is important to clear up one point that has been miscommunicated on several occasions in the media – Andy Burnham is under no obligation to resign as Mayor of Greater Manchester in order to stand in the by-election. Under the current framework governing combined authority mayors who are police and crime commissions (as Burnham is),........

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