Prime Minister Andy Burnham to take part in Great North Run

Andy Burnham has previously completed the iconic half marathon as mayor of Greater Manchester

Andy Burnham has confirmed he will become the first sitting Prime Minister to take on the Great North Run.

The PM, who returned to the House of Commons as Labour MP for Makerfield in July, has previously completed the iconic half-marathon on several occasions during his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester.

Mr Burnham will be running in support of homelessness and housing charity Changing Lives, and has urged people to consider making a donation towards their vital work.

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This year’s Great North Run celebrates its 45th anniversary and is set to welcome more than 60,000 participants, including the Prime Minister himself.

The PM said: “I’m running the Great North Run for Changing Lives because I’ve seen the difference they make with my own eyes.

“A few weeks back I visited Alex’s Place in Newcastle to launch our drive to offer everyone a route off the streets by Christmas. I sat down with residents over a cup of tea and heard what it actually takes to rebuild a life once you’ve lost everything – not just a roof, but people who stick with you while you find your feet again. That’s what Changing Lives does.”

At Alex’s Place, the Prime Minister and housing secretary Angela Rayner said that a “relentless” push to end rough sleeping could get everyone off the North East’s streets for good.

Ending rough sleeping was the first pledge Mr Burnham made after coming into Downing Street in July, reports Chronicle Live.

Ahead of the Great North Run, he added: “Tackling homelessness is a moral mission for me. It’s why I promised to end rough sleeping on my first day as PM, and why I’m proud to pull on a Changing Lives shirt today.

“If you can spare a few quid, please chip in and support them.”