Andy Burnham facing questions after bid for more power over Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester's MPs will publicly scrutinise mayor Andy Burnham under new arrangements agreed as part of the latest handing over of powers. The new devolution deal which was agreed last month gives the Labour mayor more control over technical education, housing standards and local trains.

The government also agreed to give Greater Manchester a single funding settlement which gives the mayor more of a say over how money is spent rather than having to bid for separate pots of cash for specific projects. However, in return for these new powers, Mr Burnham and the 10 council leaders will now be subject to scrutiny by MPs as well as local councillors.

The 65-page document, which was signed on March 21 commits to allowing MPs who represent Greater Manchester constituencies to scrutinise the mayor and other portfolio holders - which includes council leaders and the deputy mayor - in public, broadcasted sessions held four times a year. These sessions could take the form of Grand Committees, which are forums for all MPs representing a nation, such as Scotland or Wales, to meet in Parliament.

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The trailblazer devolution deal also states that the mayor must attend up to one council meeting a year in each borough, as well as parliamentary select committees, when invited. Mayor's Question Time events - where the public can quiz Mr Burnham directly - must also continue as a condition of the deal.

The details of the sessions for MPs are set to be agreed by the summer. Speaking at the first Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) meeting after the deal was signed last month, Mr Burnham explained more.

He said: "There was a call from Greater