Andy Burnham

Burnham's most notable achievement is being the first directly elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, a role he held for nine years. He successfully integrated the region's transport system under the Bee Network, renationalising buses and capping fares. His campaign for furlough support during the COVID-19 pandemic earned him widespread recognition and the enduring nickname 'King of the North.' In 2026, he returned to Parliament and became the frontrunner for Labour leader, positioning himself as a unifying figure from the party's soft left.