New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has made his first MP salary donation since taking office, selecting Ashton Bears rugby league club as the recipient. The undisclosed sum marks the beginning of his pledge to donate 15 per cent of his parliamentary salary to local causes in his Makerfield constituency.
Club's community impact
Ashton Bears ARLFC has provided rugby league coaching and match experience to men, women and children of all ages for nearly 40 years. A club statement expressed pride in teaching 'not only the love of the game, but to also impart the ideals of good sportsmanship, teamwork and loyalty'.
Burnham visited the club during the by-election campaign and met with officials. He praised the club's 'investment in local talent and deep roots in communities', highlighting its links with local schools and its ambition to improve facilities and invest in women's and girls' teams and disability rugby.
Announcement and background
The donation was announced over a pint in the clubhouse after Burnham watched youth team training and met children and parents. He answered questions and provided updates on local campaigns.
Burnham, who served as president of the Rugby Football League from July 2018 to July 2019, has pledged that grassroots rugby league and sport will be a major priority during his premiership. As mayor of Greater Manchester, he earned an annual salary of £118,267 and donated part of it to selected causes.
After his election to parliament on June 18, he said: 'One thing that I want to continue from my time as mayor of Greater Manchester is donating 15 per cent of my salary. I did that for nine years as mayor to tackle homelessness in Greater Manchester and I am going to carry it forward as MP for Makerfield but this time donating to worthy local causes at the heart of our communities.'
Prior to becoming PM, Burnham's first MP salary donation went to Stubshaw Cross community and sports club, which served as his campaign headquarters during the by-election. The venue was formerly known as the Stubshaw Cross Labour club.
