Bolton residents react to Andy Burnham as the next PM

The former Greater Manchester Mayor is also reportedly considering creating a “Number 10 in the North” if he became Prime Minister.

The plans would form part of wider proposals to devolve more powers away from Westminster.

With people being so sure on what is to come for Mr Burnham, we’ve been asking Boltonians in town what they make of everything.

Danielle Harris, from Breightmet, said: “I think it will be a good idea. It lets everybody know about him and lets people realise how much of a good mayor he was.

“He’s excellent.”

(Image: Newsquest)

Reports suggest Mr Burnham could set out further plans for devolution in the coming days if he pursues a bid for the Labour leadership.

No British Prime Minister has systematically run part of the government from outside London, while Mr Burnham has long championed greater powers for regions outside Westminster.

Corey Grimes, from Farnworth, said: “I think personally we need someone that’s out of Conservatives, and out of Labour.

Corey Grimes, from Farnworth. (Image: NQ)

“We need to stop this ping pong game back and forth with them arguing the same fight, calling each other names.

“You don’t hear youth centres for the young ones, it’s more of a priority to keep the young ones busy, so they’re not doing drugs, they’re not getting into anti-social behaviour so they’re not idle-minded.

“It could be good, it could be bad, but you never know the true motive.”

Mr Burnham’s election as MP for Makerfield earlier this month triggered a Greater Manchester mayoral by-election, which is due to take place on July 30.

During his time as mayor, Greater Manchester secured a series of devolution agreements covering areas including transport, housing, skills and health.

Eddie Goodram, from Queensgate. (Image: NQ)

Eddie Goodram, from Queensgate, said: “I think if he does get in, he’ll make a good PM. Bolton and Greater Manchester have lost by losing him as mayor.

“I was surprised by [Sir Kier Starmer] resigning, just threw his towel in. It’s going to take time to change.

“If people expect things to change overnight, they’re dreaming. We’ll see how it is in a couple of years time.”

Gracie Maudsley, from Little Lever. (Image: NQ)

Gracie Maudsley, from Little Lever, added: “I think he’s a really great guy, done a lot for the north, especially with me being 17 and our past, and it gets a lot of benefits of being that age.

“I think there will be a lot more nationalisation of public transport and higher spending on public services.

“I’m glad to be honest. [Starmer] did a lot of U-turns and he didn’t have much authority to him. It is a lot better we have Andy Burnham coming in.”