Labour's Andy Burnham visits the historic Brian Boru Club to speak with locals ahead of Makerfield by-election
Greater Manchester mayor and Labour’s election candidate Andy Burnham has paid a visit to an historic Wigan pub.
He dropped into the Brian Boru Club in Ashton, which was founded in 1889 and is the oldest Irish pub in the country.
It has been at the heart of local life for generations and continues to bring people together through a packed programme of activities and events.
Mr Burnham met members taking part in arts and crafts sessions, chair Pilates and inclusive activities involving people with additional needs.
He also toured the club's facilities, spoke to volunteers and members about the future of the area, and learned more about the club's work supporting people of all ages.
The visit highlighted the club's role in preserving Irish culture and heritage in Makerfield, with live Irish music and community events continuing to attract people from across the area.
Mr Burnham then stepped behind the bar to pull a pint and try the "Split the G" challenge.
He said: "The Brian Boru Club is much more than a social club. It’s a community institution that has been bringing people together for generations and continues to make a real difference to people's lives today.
"Whether it's arts and crafts, chair Pilates, activities for people with additional needs or keeping Irish culture and traditions alive, this club provides something valuable for the whole community. Places like this are the glue that hold communities together and deserve our support.
"I even had a go at splitting the G, though I think it's fair to say I should probably stick to politics rather than pint challenges."
The visit forms part of Mr Burnham's ongoing programme of visits across Makerfield ahead of the by-election on June 18.
The by-election candidates are: Jake Austin (Liberal Democrats), Count Binface (Count Binface Party), Andy Burnham (Labour and Co-operative Party), Dan Clarke (Libertarian Party), John Dyer (independent), Ed Gemmell (Climate Party), Paul Gould (independent), Howling Laud Hope (Official Monster Raving Loony Party), Rob Kenyon (Reform UK), Robert Pownall (independent), Rebecca Shepherd (Restore Britain), Sarah Wakefield (Green Party), Peter Ward (Rejoin EU Bring in PR) and Michael Winstanley (Conservative).