Andy Burnham returned as Greater Manchester Mayor in landslide victory

Date published: 08 May 2021


Andy Burnham remains Greater Manchester Mayor after receiving 67% of the first round votes in Thursday's election.

His vote increased from 63% in 2017.  

In an emotional speech at the count, Mr Burnham thanked voters, saying he would continue to speak up for Greater Manchester: "I will continue to be a voice for all people and all communties.

"I will continue to be a voice for all people and all communities.  I will continue to adopt a place-first, not a party-first approach."

Referring to reports that there was "widespread cluelessness" in government about Boris Johnson's "levelling up" slogan, he offered his own definition that focused on "better jobs, better homes, better transport".

Mr Burnham also called for a widening of local political devolution, and a voice for city regions like Greater Mnchester.

"Where the government gets it right and treats us fairly I will work with them but where they don't I will challenge them as forcefully as I can," he said.

"Greater Manchester expects nothing less."

There was a 35% turnout for the Mayoral vote across Greater Manchester, with the Oldham turnout at 38%.


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