Campaign boss for Burnham mayor bid team

The shadow home secretary and member for Leigh today unveiled Denton and Reddish MP Andrew Gwynne as the man to spearhead his crusade.

Mr Gwynne, shadow public health minister and an MP for 11 years, landed the job after his success in the Oldham by-election last December.

He said: “The Mayor of Greater Manchester needs to offer a compelling vision for the future and have the experience to deliver for our area. Andy Burnham brings Cabinet-level experience to this race, not least of running the NHS.

“In the next two months, every party member will hear him speak from the heart about his plans to revolutionise technical education and build the country’s first fully-integrated National Health and Care Service.”

Mr Burnham said: “This is a major coup for my campaign. Andrew Gwynne is one of the Labour Party’s best campaigners and a strong voice in Greater Manchester. I am determined to see Greater Manchester lead the way for a more equal England. With the support of Labour members, I will make it a beacon of social justice and a major European economic centre.”

But Mr Burnham’s campaign hasn’t been welcomed by all. Mancunian broadcaster Terry Christian described the MP as being a “tourist” in the North these days.