Burnham says it’s annoying when people ask if he’ll stand for Labour leader

Andy Burnham says it is ‘annoying’ when people ask if he will stand for Labour leader as the Greater Manchester mayor rules out standing in a Lancashire by-election.

The Labour mayor reaffirmed his commitment to complete a second term in his current position and said it is ‘very, very likely’ that he will stand for a third.

Responding to speculation about his political ambitions on BBC Radio Manchester, he said he ‘firmly believes’ the current party leader Keir Starmer will be the next Labour Prime Minister.

However, speaking on his weekly radio phone-in programme, he expressed ‘frustration’ at ‘constantly’ being asked about his leadership aspirations and said he would not be standing in the upcoming West Lancashire by-election.

He said: “In some ways, it’s a frustration to me in the job I’m doing constantly to be asked about that.

“If anyone has listened to what I’ve said over the years is I’m going to do a full second term as mayor of Greater Manchester.

“I love what I’m doing – not everybody will appreciate that, but I love what I’m doing.

“My heart is in this job. I’m focused on it.

“Look at what we’re doing on transport. I am so focused on it.

“And it kind of has been an annoyance constantly to be asked about that.

“But I’ve never changed that script.

“I’ve always said I’d do a full second term and I will.

“Maybe this would ruin some people’s Thursday morning, but I am very, very likely to stand for a third.”

The Greater Manchester mayor was also asked whether he saw not being asked to speak at the Labour Party conference earlier in the week as a ‘snub’.

Presenter Mike Sweeney questioned whether the national party is ‘running scared’ of giving him a platform because of the profile he has.

However, Mr Burnham said he ‘tries not to take things personally these days’.

The Labour mayor pointed out that the party conference has not been held in Manchester since he took office in 2017 which may explain the decision.

Liverpool City Region Steve Rotherham was invited to speak at the conference which took place in the city from Sunday, September 25.

He praised Keir Starmer who has gained a considerable lead in the polls for Labour and has ‘taken the space that the Tories have vacated’ this week.

He added: “That is a leader who is speaking for the country, for ordinary people.

“And hence I firmly believe he is going to be the next Prime Minister.”

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