Andy Burnham made a light-hearted remark about his hectic schedule as he came back to his hometown to support the Labour Party’s candidate for Manchester mayor. He teamed up with Bev Craig to kick off her campaign, highlighting their joint achievements in the Greater Manchester area. At a sunny event at Radcliffe football club, Burnham expressed his delight at being back in Manchester after a busy week, quipping about his “Manchester clothes.”

The launch event saw the presence of prominent Labour figures like Lucy Powell and Angela Rayner, alongside Manchester city council leader Bev. Addressing a crowd of 200 party activists, including Coronation Street’s Jennie McAlpine, Burnham emphasized the collaborative efforts that have ushered in a new era of politics in Greater Manchester.

Encouraging support for Bev, Burnham painted an optimistic vision for the future, stating that the best years are yet to come. Bev, in an interview with the Mirror, acknowledged the high expectations placed on her but expressed enthusiasm for the challenge ahead. She emphasized her close partnership with Burnham and outlined her plans to continue and expand upon the progress made during his tenure.

One of Bev’s key proposals is to introduce free bus travel for 11 to 18-year-olds across Greater Manchester, building on the success of initiatives like the Bee bus network expansion. She highlighted the region’s thriving economy and pledged to ensure inclusive growth that benefits all communities, leaving no one behind.

The upcoming mayoral race is expected to be competitive, with Nigel Farage’s Reform party emerging as a significant challenger. However, recent polls indicate a strong lead for Labour, with Burnham’s popularity evident from his landslide victory in the 2024 election. Bev remains focused on her campaign’s core principles of optimism and progress, prioritizing the needs and aspirations of Greater Manchester residents.

As Burnham eyes a potential leadership role within the Labour Party, Bev remains steadfast in her commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the local community. Reflecting on the recent local elections, she acknowledges the call for faster and tangible change, emphasizing the importance of listening to and learning from constituents. With a determined spirit and a focus on delivering real improvements, Bev aims to secure a brighter future for Greater Manchester.