In May 2017, Greater Manchester will go to the polls to elect a “metro mayor” for the first time. The winning candidate will have sweeping powers to change policy across the whole metropolitan area.
But for the Labour party, the process of selecting these candidates has already started. Labour voters must choose between three wannabe mayors – the Labour MPs Andy Burnham and Ivan Lewis, and Manchester’s current police and crime commissioner, Tony Lloyd.
Burnham’s candidacy has attracted particular attention, given his position as a shadow cabinet minister and a former Labour leadership candidate. An ITV poll put him as the frontrunner, on 55 per cent of the vote.
Edward Clake, a Centre for Cities analyst, said: “Candidates will need a clear, ambitious and credible vision for their city regions in order to succeed not only in the elections, but when they get to City Hall.”
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Here is what you need to know:
When will Labour select its mayoral candidate for Manchester?
The ballot closes at 12 noon on 5 August 2016.
Could the deadline for voting change?
Andy Burnham has asked for the deadline to be extended because of delays in sending out ballot papers. But unless the National Executive Committee agrees an extension, the deadline remains in place.
When are the results expected?
The result will be announced at a press conference in the morning of 9 August 2016.
Who can vote?
Only members of the Labour Party in the Greater Manchester area can vote. Members must have joined by 19 July 2015 to be eligible to take part in this selection.
What does Greater Manchester consist of?
Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan.
How do you vote?
Online or by post.