Lessons from Andy Burnham on power and popularity after 'emphatic' re-election

Andy Burnham has won four more years as Greater Manchester mayor in an 'emphatic' re-election result. The Labour politician secured support from more than 420,000 people, having won in almost every part of the city-region- even where his party lost council seats.

It comes after a 'challenging' set of local elections for Labour in Greater Manchester in which the party suffered significant setbacks. Despite enjoying success elsewhere in the country, Labour lost control of Oldham council and key seats in Bolton and Rochdale.

The war in Gaza, and criticism of the party's stance on the conflict, was a decisive factor that saw Labour lose votes in some areas. But these results were not reflected in the mayoral election in which the incumbent candidate secured 63.4 per cent of the total votes.

READ MORE: Greater Manchester mayoral election 2024 results in full

Labour believe that Mr Burnham came first in all but one council ward across Greater Manchester - Werneth in Oldham where there was no Labour candidate on the ballot. Even in areas which elected Conservative councillors on Thursday, Mr Burnham still succeeded.

Taking to the stage after the results were announced on Saturday (May 4), Mr Burnham acknowledged the support he received from people who usually vote for other parties. He declared this 'new politics' pioneered in Greater Manchester 'emphatically' endorsed.

The re-elected mayor vowed to use his mandate to build a public transport system that 'befits a city-region of our stature' and make sure everyone growing up in Greater Manchester has a path in life. And he called for new powers to help those who are struggling.

"Speaking to people in Greater Manchester over the last few weeks," he said, "I have also heard a