Burnham move towards Parliament could hand interim mayor role to Salford leader

Andy Burnham has confirmed he wants to stand for Parliament in the Gorton and Denton by election, a decision that could lead to a temporary change in leadership across Greater Manchester.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester has asked the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee for approval to seek selection as a parliamentary candidate. If permission is granted and he proceeds, he would be expected to resign from his mayoral post before the contest.

The seat became vacant following the resignation of Andrew Gwynne, who stepped down earlier this month for health reasons. A by election is expected later this year, subject to parliamentary scheduling.

Legislation covering combined authorities means the mayoral role cannot be left empty. If Burnham stands down, day to day responsibility would pass to a deputy mayor on an interim basis until a Greater Manchester mayoral by election is held.

There are currently two deputy mayors in Greater Manchester. Kate Green is the statutory deputy mayor with responsibility for policing and criminal justice. Paul Dennett, who is also the elected Mayor of Salford, serves as a deputy mayor of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

Dennett has previously chaired combined authority meetings when Burnham has been unavailable and is widely viewed as the most likely figure to take on the interim mayoral duties if required.

Any interim arrangement would last only until voters elect a new Mayor of Greater Manchester, with the timetable overseen by the combined authority and electoral officials.

The Labour Party is expected to make a decision on Burnham’s request within days. If approval is given, a formal selection process for the parliamentary seat would follow.