FORMER St Aelred’s High schoolboy Andy Burnham is to step down as an MP as he hopes to become the first elected mayor of Greater Manchester.

The former shadow home secretary, who was educated at the Newton-le-Willows school, announced that he will step down from his seat as Leigh MP, a position he has held for 16 years, even if he fails to be elected on May 4.

He has also decided not to stand in the upcoming general election on June 8, which was called by Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday, Tuesday, April 18 and is expected to win approval in Parliament this afternoon.

He said: “The general election comes just after the mayoral elections and changes my plans a little bit.

“It is a difficult decision and a real wrench for me but I won’t stand in the general election regardless of if I win or lose.

"The timings do not work and Labour need a candidate in place.”