Andy Burnham

It’s been very kind of sad for me today to leave Greater Manchester. The people have been brilliant to me over the last few years. I’ve loved every minute of the role. I hope I leave Manchester in a better place.

You’re jumping several hurdles ahead there.

This is what we will do from here and we will make sure this transition is a positive process of renewal for our party and our country.

The Labour movement has always been at its strongest when it looks forward with confidence and purpose.

I swear by almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors according to law. So help me God.

His decision marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way.

Keir has given huge service to our country and I want to thank him for his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period.

I want an education system that was not dominated by the university route, but one which offers a path for everybody, academic and technical in equal balance.

It will never be a stepping stone to me, but instead will be my touchstone.

Everyone knows that politics isn’t working,” he said. “Everyone can feel that the country isn’t where it should be. Tonight could, just could, be the turning point.

It is going to undermine everything I have said about strengthening democracy if we don’t respect that vote.

I am not proposing that the U.K. considers rejoining the EU.

The word ‘Makerfield’ in the future must be known as a byword for the change that came to British politics.

I believe there are life-long Labour voters ready to come back to us.

This will be the Makerfield Test.

I am going to make Makerfield a by-word for change in British politics.

These are the kind of changes that we need if we are to give hope to young people growing up in this part of the world.

The result could be a turning point and that people had voted for change. They have voted for more power for the north and everywhere forgotten by Westminster.

Labour had a final chance to change and win back voters' trust.

I pledge to put place before party, represent all constituents regardless of how they voted, and focus on solving problems rather than political point-scoring.

I know what it is to turn places around.

British politics is set for a fresh bout of chaos

Mr Burnham has made clear his intention to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for leadership of the Labour party on his return to Westminster.

I want to say sorry to the residents of the Makerfield constituency, for the circus that is about to arrive in town and some of the inconvenience they will experience as a result.

I’ve done that with buses in Greater Manchester. I was the first to do it. Margaret Thatcher deregulated them … and then they just work for the private shareholders and not for the paying public.