Mayor Burnham announces senior team members

Former Leigh MP Mr Burnham said Sir Richard Leese will be deputy for business and economy, with Baroness Beverley Hughes in the role for policing and crime.

Coun Rishi Shori was also announced as portfolio holder for young people and social cohesion on Saturday morning.

All three are senior figures within regional politics, with Sir Richard leading Manchester City Council and serving as vice chair and economic lead for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) which represents the region’s 10 town halls.

Baroness Hughes was MP for Stretford and Urmston between 1997 and 2010, also spending several years in Government as minister of state for children, young people and their families.

Coun Shori, who takes on the young people’s brief in the mayoral cabinet, is leader of Bury Council and also chairs the GM Police and Crime Panel.

Mr Burnham swept to victory in the first round of the region’s inaugural mayoral election, taking 63 per cent of the vote.

Unveiling the team members, Mr Burnham said: “Come and help us build Greater Manchester. Help us shape the new North.”

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) congratulated Baroness Hughes on her appointment and acknowledged the work of interim mayor Tony Lloyd.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “I want to thank Tony Lloyd for all the work he has done throughout his time in office. We had a positive working relationship that was always focused on providing the best possible service for the people of Greater Manchester.

“I now look forward to continuing this work with the new deputy mayor of Greater Manchester.

“Beverley will bring a wealth of experience to what is an important role dealing with many complex and challenging issues. I look forward to her support to policing in Greater Manchester and to working closely with her.”