I am sure you have all heard by now that my great friend and neighbouring MP, Kate Green, has stepped down as Member of Parliament for Stretford and Urmston and has been announced as Andy Burnham’s choice for deputy mayor of Greater Manchester.
She will be replacing another fantastic Labour woman, Bev Hughes, who announced on Wednesday that she’s leaving the role in early 2023. Under the rules for metro mayors, neither a mayor nor their deputy can be an MP at the same time if the mayoralty includes powers over the police.
As Andy Burnham said (and I absolutely agree with him on this) : “Bev has given an incredible career of service to the public of Greater Manchester and is a very hard act to follow. However, I’m confident I have found someone with the calibre, character, and values to do just that. Kate Green MP has accepted my invitation to be put forward for the role as deputy mayor of Greater Manchester with responsibility for police and fire, and that nomination will now go forward for consideration by our police, fire and crime panel. If approved, Kate will take up the role in the new year, supported by Bev in a transitional period.”
Kate had already decided to step down at the next General Election and her successor was selected earlier this year. It will be Andrew Western, current leader of Trafford Council and a councillor in Priory Ward here in Sale East.
Andrew will be a fantastic representative for the residents of Stretford and Urmston, he is a talented politician and I look forward to seeing him on the green benches and working with him.
The by-election is likely to come this side of Christmas and I am looking forward to getting out and about on the Labour doorstep to support him.