The Labour Party has triggered a by-election to replace a former MP who resigned to become the deputy mayor of Greater Manchester. It could now be held for the Stretford and Urmston constituency in Trafford on December 15, according to established protocols.
Labour's Kate Green formally resigned as the MP for Stretford and Urmston last Thursday, setting up a by-election in the constituency she held with a majority of more than 16,000 at the last General Election.
The news was confirmed after Ms Green was announced as Andy Burnham's preferred choice for the role of the deputy major of Greater Manchester, replacing Baroness Bev Hughes, who announced last Wednesday she would be stepping down in the new year after five years in the post.
Business in the House of Commons on Monday started with Opposition chief whip Sir Alan Campbell issuing the writ for the vacant seat of Stretford and Urmston.
The by-election has to take place between 21 and 27 working days from the issuing of the writ, suggesting it will take place on December 15. Trafford Council leader Andrew Western has been selected as Labour's candidate for the Stretford and Urmston seat.
Ms Green was first elected in 2010 and retained the seat, a Labour stronghold in the south west of Greater Manchester, with more than 60 per cent of the vote in 2019.
The Treasury released a statement last Thursday to say it had accepted the Labour MP's resignation. It said: "The Chancellor of the Exchequer has this day appointed Katherine Anne Green to be Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead."
Appointing an MP to the position is one of the formal mechanisms used to allow them to resign their office. Metro mayors and their deputies cannot be an MP at the same time if their responsibilities include powers over the police, which the role of deputy mayor in Manchester has.
Ms Green, who has been the MP for Stretford and Urmston since 2010, had previously indicated she would not stand for re-election at the next general election.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: "Kate Green has been a tireless advocate for the people of Stretford and Urmston for 12 years. As the next deputy mayor of Greater Manchester, she will continue to deliver for her local community. Kate, I look forward to working with you in your new role."
Ms Hughes, 72, has been serving as deputy mayor, under mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, since 2017. She was previously the Stretford and Urmston Labour MP from 1997 to 2010 - with Ms Green winning the seat after she resigned.
Mr Burnham said Ms Hughes had 'given an incredible career of service to the public of Greater Manchester and is a very hard act to follow'.
He added: "However, I’m confident I have found someone with the calibre, character, and values to do just that. Kate Green MP has accepted my invitation to be put forward for the role as Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester with responsibility for police and fire, and that nomination will now go forward for consideration by our Police, Fire and Crime Panel."
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- Manchester Christmas Market stallholders defend BIG price hikes for sausages and booze at 2022 return
- Heartbreaking letter reveals health visitor's plea over Awaab Ishak's mouldy home
- Machete-wielding teen and his pal got into a brawl at JD Sports store packed with Christmas shoppers
- 'Inspirational' drummer 'made peace with death' before losing brain tumour battle aged 36
- Manchester trio unmasked as members of organised drugs gang - one stashed cocaine wraps up his bottom
