Andy Burnham’s Greater Manchester Departure Spurs Public Reflection on Legacy
Andy Burnham’s recent victory in the Makerfield by-election, securing his return to Westminster, has concluded his nine-year tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester. This move automatically triggers a mayoral election, leading residents to reflect on his legacy and express concerns about the region’s future leadership.
Residents across Greater Manchester voiced a mix of sadness and disappointment at Burnham's departure. Neil Townley, 59, from Worsley, noted, “I’m quietly disappointed to be perfectly honest with you. I’ve always thought Burnham had the North West at heart.” Townley credited Burnham with significant infrastructure improvements, stating, “Manchester has gone from strength to strength since he’s been in charge.”
Spencer Keogh, 56, from Walkden, described Burnham's mayoral term as “a great job,” adding that the next mayor, to be elected on 30th July, would find him “a hard act to follow.” Townley reiterated this sentiment, emphasising the need for the new mayor to be “quite forthright trying to lobby government to make sure that they listen to the North West. We’ve been overlooked for quite a few years and we’re quite a powerhouse in the North West and we really need to be listened to.”
Jane Battersby, 59, from Tyldesley, Wigan, specifically praised transport improvements: “The buses have improved vastly, so I will say on that level he has done exceptionally well.” However, Battersby also posited that Burnham’s mayoral role was a strategic step towards national politics, suggesting he “was biding his time with this to do exactly what he’s done which is to get a seat and then go for prime minister.” She stressed that the new mayor must address homelessness, maintain transport improvements, and avoid a congestion charge.
Other residents echoed praise for Burnham's efforts. Chris, from Roe Green, Worsley, expressed disappointment at his departure but wished him well, noting his “brilliant job” with transport. Jim, 78, from Salford, added, “He did a lot for Manchester, he did a lot for the North and we’ll miss him.”
Mark Neild, 52, from Salford, held “mixed feelings” about Burnham’s by-election win, acknowledging his effectiveness as a local politician while also celebrating the “significant victory” for the Labour Party nationally. Neild articulated ongoing needs for Greater Manchester: “We continually need investment, we continually need infrastructure. We need hope and we need jobs for younger people my daughter’s age.”
