In conversation with Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester

Devolution, levelling up and local leadership As part of a special series of events on devolution and levelling up, featuring local leaders from across England, the Institute for Government was delighted to be joined by Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester. First elected in May 2017 and re-elected for a second term in May 2021, Andy Burnham discussed his role and priorities, the challenges of working with the UK government to level up the Greater Manchester region and what further powers he would like to see devolved in the promised 'Trailblazer' devolution deal being negotiated between Whitehall and local leaders in Greater Manchester. Andy Burnham was in conversation with Akash Paun, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government and head of the Institute's devolution research programme. This event was broadcast live from Manchester. Andy Burnham was the MP for Leigh from 2001-17 and held a series of ministerial posts including Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and Secretary of State for Health. In opposition after 2010, he served as shadow education, health and home secretary, before resigning his seat to become Mayor of Greater Manchester in 2017. #IfGdevo This event is kindly supported by Policy@Manchester, the University of Manchester's sector-leading policy engagement unit.