Galloway will take on Burnham but only in 2028
GEORGE Galloway has not ruled himself out of the race for Andy Burnham’s job yet, but he has hinted that he may not stand in May.
The Observer reported last week that Rochdale’s new MP is considering standing to be Greater Manchester mayor.
The Workers Party of Britain leader, who won the Rochdale byelection, told the M.E.N. that, if he stands, it would be on a platform of getting a ‘better deal’ for surrounding towns.
He later confirmed to the Guardian that he was thinking of running for mayor in May.
But on Monday, Labourlist reported that he intends to stand against Mr Burnham at the next mayoral election in 2028.
The M.E.N. asked Mr Galloway to confirm that he will not be running for Greater Manchester mayor in May, but he declined to comment.
According to Labourlist, when Mr Galloway was asked about the Observer’s report, he replied: “I will stand against Burnham, in 2028.”
Returning to Parliament for a seventh time following his by-election win earlier this month, Mr Galloway would have to quit his role as Rochdale’s MP if he won the race to become mayor.
This is because, in Greater Manchester, the mayor is also the police and crime commissioner - a role which members of the House of Commons can stand for, but requires them to resign as MP if elected.
Speaking to the Observer during his by-election campaign, Mr Galloway said that he will stay in the town for ‘as long as the people want [him]’, confirming that he would defend the seat at the next general election. After winning the vote on February 29, he put Labour ‘on notice’, threatening to wipe them off the local council in Rochdale and promising to field candidates for Parliament across the country.
The Workers Party of Britain MP has contested seven Parliamentary constituencies since he was expelled from Labour in 2003.
Before the Rochdale by-election was announced, he said on social media that he was in ‘serious discussions’ about running for London mayor.
He must decide if he is standing in May’s election for Greater Manchester mayor by April 4 when nominations for candidates close.