The Hollywood star was seen arriving at the community sports club for the event
British acting legend Hugh Grant was a surprise guest as Andy Burnham held a rally on the eve of tomorrow’s landmark by-election.
Hollywood star Mr Grant, best known for his roles in Notting Hill, Love Actually and Bridget Jones’ Diary, made an appearance at Stubshaw Cross Club in Ashton-in-Makerfield tonight (Wednesday, June 17) where Mr Burnham was addressing his supporters.
The Greater Manchester Mayor is seeking to return to return to parliament by winning the Wigan constituency in tomorrow’s vote and if he wins, has indicated he would put himself forward in an expected challenge to Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.
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Previous incumbent Josh Simons stood down last month in order to give Mr Burnham a route back to Westminster so he could ‘drive the change our country is crying out for.’
Wearing a white shirt with rolled up sleeves and sunglasses, Mr Grant was seen arriving at the community sports club on Walter Street that has served as Mr Burnham’s base. He was later seen leaving and getting into a red car.
He is the latest celebrity to make an appearance on the campaign with comedian Steve Coogan supporting Mr Burnham on the doorstep and TV star Ant Middleton among those to support his Reform rival Rob Kenyon.
In an address to supporters posted on his campaign’s page on X, Mr Burnham said it had been ‘an incredible campaign’ and said they had a ‘big night and a big day ahead of us’ as he said he believed the by-election was about to ‘change British politics.’
“This by-election is going to put power where it should be. In the hands of people here” he said.
“A vote for me is a vote to end 40 years of trickle down economics” he continued as he said he wanted to make ‘life more affordable again’ for British people and to give them ‘breathing space in their daily lives.’
Although numerous polls have suggested Mr Burnham has a lead over Mr Kenyon, Mr Burnham described it as a ‘close situation’ and said ‘we do need people to get out and vote tomorrow.’
The Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier today said he wants Andy Burnham to “play a big part” in the Labour Government in what appeared to be a signal he could invite him to join his Cabinet.
However a senior source told told the Manchester Evening News that he would not take a role in his government and said that Sir Keir remaining in post would give people ‘an excuse to vote against Labour’ in the Greater Manchester mayoral election which will be triggered if Mr Burnham wins.
He is the latest celebrity to make an appearance on the campaign with comedian Steve Coogan supporting Mr Burnham on the doorstep and TV star Ant Middleton among those to support his Reform rival Rob Kenyon.
In an address to supporters posted on his campaign’s page on X, Mr Burnham said it had been ‘an incredible campaign’ and said they had a ‘big night and a big day ahead of us’ as he said he believed the by-election was about to ‘change British politics.’
“This by-election is going to put power where it should be. In the hands of people here” he said.
“A vote for me is a vote to end 40 years of trickle down economics” he continued as he said he wanted to make ‘life more affordable again’ for British people and to give them ‘breathing space in their daily lives.’
Although numerous polls have suggested Mr Burnham has a lead over Mr Kenyon, Mr Burnham described it as a ‘close situation’ and said ‘we do need people to get out and vote tomorrow.’
The Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier today said he wants Andy Burnham to “play a big part” in the Labour Government in what appeared to be a signal he could invite him to join his Cabinet.
However a senior source told told the Manchester Evening News that he would not take a role in his government and said that Sir Keir remaining in post would give people ‘an excuse to vote against Labour’ in the Greater Manchester mayoral election which will be triggered if Mr Burnham wins.
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