University hosts Greater Manchester Mayoral Hustings

University of Manchester

The public will have a chance to quiz all three of Labour's candidates for the post of the Greater Manchester Mayor tonight, July 21.

The event organised by the Labour Party and hosted by The University of Manchester’s Politics department is ahead of next year’s mayoral election.

Labour are choosing their official nomination for Greater Manchester Mayor this summer ahead of the Election on May 4, 2017.

The Labour Party will choose from the three candidates:

• Andy Burnham MP for Leigh and Shadow Home Secretary, former Shadow Secreatr of State for Health (2011-15) and Secretary of State for Health (2009-10).
• Ivan Lewis MP for Bury South, former Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (2013-15), International Development (2011-13) and Culture, Media and Sport (2010-11).
• Tony Lloyd, Interim Mayor of Greater Manchester, Police and Crime Commissioner since 2012, former MP for Manchester Central (1997-2012) and Stretford (1983-1997).

Greater Manchester's new Mayor will lead the region’s Combined Authority and will become one of the most powerful politicians in the country and hold decision making powers and control budgets in areas including health, housing, justice, policing, transport and planning across the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester.

Tonight’s hustings will be chaired by Andrew Russell, Professor of Politics at the University of Manchester.

He said: “We are expecting a lively debate tonight as the event is now to full capacity. It is a great opportunity to find out what the Labour candidates for Greater Manchester Mayor have got to say and for voters to express their views.

“Whatever the outcome of the election, this is a crucial role for the region and arguably one of the most powerful civic leaders in the country.”

The election will take place in May next year and Labour members will vote for their preferred candidate this summer.