High-profile politician departs parliament to become mayor of one of Britain’s great cities; achieves cult status; rides back to parliament on a wave of popularity and, eventually, becomes prime minister. That’s how Boris Johnson’s story goes, but could it soon be the same for Andy Burnham? Political editor David Maddox talks to friends, allies and critics of the Greater Manchester mayor as he fights to return to Westminster
The mayor of Greater Manchester presented himself to partial legislation on 18 June in Makerfield to find Westminster, opening the way for the leadership of the Labour Party and the head of the British government.