CCIN Press Release: Andy Burnham MP

• 20th Jun 2026
• Community

The Cooperative Councils' Innovation Network extends its congratulations to Andy Burnham on his election as the new Labour & Cooperative Party MP for Makerfield.

As Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy has led the Combined Authority — a member of our network — with a focus on developing a more cooperative Greater Manchester —placing power in the hands of local people and communities. His leadership has demonstrated the real impact that co-operative principles can have at scale.

Whilst we will miss Andy’s leadership of the GMCA, we are excited to work with him in his new role as MP for Makerfield, alongside MPs from across the political spectrum who share our commitment to advancing co-operative principles in public service. We wish him every success in representing his constituents and strengthening the co-operative voice in Parliament.

Cllr Paul Cassidy, Chair of the Co-operative Councils’ Innovation Network, said:

“Andy has shown, through his leadership in Greater Manchester, what can be achieved when power is genuinely shared with communities. His election to Parliament is not just a personal success —it is an opportunity to strengthen the co-operative voice at a national level.

As a proudly cross-party network, CCIN works with MPs from across the political spectrum who share our commitment to advancing co‑operative principles, and we look forward to working with Andy—and others—to deliver practical, community-led solutions that put people first, and to continue to make a clear and unapologetic case for a co-operative economy that keeps wealth, power and opportunity rooted in local communities.”

We also extend our best wishes to his successor as Mayor of Greater Manchester. CCIN stands ready to support and work alongside them to build on this legacy and to continue strengthening the co-operative movement across local and regional government.