ANDY Burnham has confirmed today, Thursday, that he will be running a campaign to become the Mayor of Greater Manchester.

The Leigh MP and shadow home secretary delivered a keynote speech at The Lowry theatre in Salford today stating his plans to make Greater Manchester ‘a beacon of social justice in this country and to Europe and the world.’

Mr Burnham is aiming to be Labour’s candidate for the new role which will be one of the biggest jobs in local government in England.

He said: “Centuries of our Westminster system have made England a very unequal country - Westminster has failed the north. 

"It has left us with an uneven share of resources, power and life chances. The London perspective on life dominates the political debate and does not do justice to the challenges that people here face.

“In my 15 years in Parliament, I have consistently challenged that.

"I am ready to leave Westminster and devote myself to this new task of rebalancing our country from south to north. 

"This is an unprecedented moment when we have a chance to do just that. 

“The Mayor of Greater Manchester is a Cabinet-level job that requires Cabinet-level experience. If done right, it can make a real difference. 

“Greater Manchester can be even greater than it is today - a major European economic and creative centre - unashamedly entrepreneurial and endlessly innovative - but at the same time, and a beacon of social justice in this country and to Europe and the world.

“That is a vision which I think captures the essence of Manchester. It is full of people who want to get on but who also want to give back.

"This is a vision that would make us unique and set us apart. It is one people could buy into. 

"But let's never forget our roots and those coming after us."

The Shadow Home Secretary, who has served as the MP for 15 years, stated that he will set out plans for a revolution in technical education, the country's first fully-integrated National Health and Care Service, call for affordable housing and will call on the Government to invest in new East-West rail across the north.

Mr Burnham invited Labour activists to support his vision of Greater Manchester that he believes will lead the campaign for a 'more equal England'.

He added : "I want to bring the Greater Manchester Labour family together and work with our outstanding Labour leaders to deliver this vision.

"I want to push power down to our councillors and their own communities, so that they are empowered to challenge the inequalities that scar our own City-region as well as the country as a whole."

Labour Councillors Joanne Platt for Astley and Mosley Common and newly elected Tyldesley Councillor Nazia Rehman were present along with other Labour representatives of Wigan Council including Lord Smith. 

Mr Burnham added: “So I can confirm today that I will be putting my name forward to stand as the first elected Mayor for Greater Manchester. 

"I want to win this contest not by the strength of my organisation but by the strength of my vision for Greater Manchester."

Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd is currently the interim mayor.

The other candidates will be selected this summer and a poll will be held next year to decide who becomes Greater Manchester’s first mayor.