I have lived in Salford for 30 years. I was born in a Doncaster mining village. My first job from school was at the coal mine. I feel proud to be working class.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has until 17:00 GMT on Saturday to decide if he wants to stand in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election. Winning the parliamentary seat would enable Burnham to challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for the party leadership. However, there are several hurdles he must clear. First, as a directly-elected mayor, Burnham needs to get permission from Labour's ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) to put his name forward as a candidate.