Andy Burnham brings extra drama to Labour Party conference by quitting live on stage
Shadow Home Secretary is giving up the post to concentrate on his bid to be the mayor for Greater Manchester
ANDY Burnham has brought some extra drama for the last day of the Labour Party conference by announcing he is quitting the Shadow Cabinet live on stage.
The now ex-Shadow Home Secretary announced when he was selected to be Labour’s candidate for the Mayor of Greater Manchester that it was his intention to stand down.
And today during his speech he did it.
Mr Burnham said: “Conference, this time next year, I hope to be addressing you in a new capacity - as the first Labour Mayor for Greater Manchester.
“For someone fifteen years a Greater Manchester MP, and who grew up in the area I represent, what an honour you have given me.
“In return, I will give my all to the people of Greater Manchester and make this Party proud.”
It's no secret, though, that I also have ties here.”
He later added: “This is my tenth Conference speaking to you as a Cabinet or Shadow Cabinet Minister.
“And it will be my last.
“It is time for me to turn my full focus to Greater Manchester.
“That's why I can tell you all first today that I have asked Jeremy to plan a new Shadow Cabinet without me, although I will of course stay until it is in place.
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“It has been my privilege to represent our great Party these last 10 years.
“But, at times, the last 12 months have made me profoundly sad.
“Sad to hear the achievements of our Labour Government, in which I was proud to serve, being dismissed as if they were nothing.
“Sad that old friendships have been strained; sad that some seem to prefer fighting each other than the Tories.
“I have given my all to this Party and always put its interests above those of factions and personalities.
“And I have given exactly the same loyalty to all four of the Labour leaders I have served.”
A Shadow Cabinet reshuffle was already expected in the coming days after the conference finishes as Jeremy Corbyn attempts to unite his party following his re-election as Labour leader.
But Mr Burnham’s departure will cause him a headache with all eyes on the veteran leftie as to who he chooses for one of the Shadow Cabinet’s top jobs.
The Greater Manchester mayoral election will take place in 2017 at the same time as scheduled local elections in May.
Mr Burnham has said he is prepared to leave the House of Commons, where he has sat as an MP since 2001, should he emerge victorious in the overall contest next year.
The Government is handing over increased powers and billions of pounds in spending from Whitehall to English regions as part of its ongoing devolution agenda.