Andy Burnham will take over leadership of the Labour Party at a special conference in London tomorrow, before entering Downing Street on Monday. His flagship No 10 North will begin operating straight away, according to politics writer Iram Ramzan. It is understood part of his team will start working from the northern headquarters from the moment he enters office.
An interim base will be used while a permanent home is developed, with the long-term headquarters not expected to be completed until 2028. The location of the temporary base has not been disclosed for security reasons, but Heron House and the former home of the Toys ‘R’ Us retail store in Ancoats have been speculated as options.
Burnham’s Approach to US Relations
Mr Burnham will have a massive ‘to do’ list when he takes over, including forming a relationship with the US President. The former Greater Manchester mayor says he will be “very upfront” with Donald Trump and willing to disagree while still “respecting the office”. Mr Trump recently described Mr Burnham as “extremely liberal” and “mayor of a town”.
Burnham told Gary Lineker for Goalhanger: “I like to think I’ve got some personality myself and I’ll deal with him very upfront in the same way. I think he likes people to deal with him. He described Manchester as some town when he was referring to my position. And I might have to, you know what Mancs are like, Gary - that won’t have gone down fantastically well in the city I used to represent.”
Bev Craig’s Manifesto Launch
Labour’s mayoral candidate Bev Craig set out her manifesto for Greater Manchester yesterday, promising more affordable homes, opportunities for young people, expanding neighbourhood policing and reviving high streets. Reporter Iram Ramzan noted the event had an almost American politics feel with Labour cheerleaders, placards and cheesy grins. Ms Craig walked to the stage to Oasis ‘Acquiesce’ and off to ‘This Is The One’ by the Stone Roses.
In her speech, Craig mentioned her background, saying: “Too many politicians across the country dine out on stories of hardship. We have all had it in the Labour Party where, at times, we might compete with each other to see who has had the hardest life or who has had to eat the most coal as a child. I said to my mum ‘I don’t want to talk about it because I want you to have dignity in your experience and never feel exploited’. And she said ‘tell them because it’s your hardship that can give people hope’.”
Headlines
Rochdale grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed has been moved from the hostel he was housed in after prison release following its location being revealed on social media. New ‘exclusion zones’ could be set up outside asylum hotels in Manchester for the safety of staff and residents, with council officers asked to ‘urgently’ begin looking into the measure.
Residents living in the shadow of wildfires at Tintwistle and Dovestone say they are struggling with smoke effects. Latest air quality data shows the ongoing effect of moorland fires across Greater Manchester, with certain areas still classed as unhealthy for sensitive groups.
A Year On: Oasis Reunion
It’s been a year since Liam and Noel Gallagher reunited at Manchester’s Heaton Park for five shows as part of Oasis Live ‘25. The reunion featured 41 shows across five continents and 16 years in the making. What’s On editor Jenna Campbell has looked back on that summer.
Benedict Wong Honoured
Hollywood actor Benedict Wong received an honorary Doctorate of Arts from the University of Salford. The Eccles-born actor, known for roles in Marvel films including Doctor Strange and Avengers: Endgame, said: “It’s been a 34-year overnight success.”
Weather and Roads
Friday: Sunny intervals, 26C. Road closures: A671 Rochdale Road, Royton, northbound closed for roadworks from Middleton Road to Market Square until January 29. A58 Gerard Street Westbound, Ashton-in-Makerfield closed due to roadworks from A5062 Wigan Road to A58/A49 (Kings Arms traffic lights) until November 22.
