Fresh from winning re-election, Labour mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham gave fellow Mancs The Courteeners in his victory speech.

The recent elections have been fairly disastrous for Labour, with the party attracting a variety of criticism from members and supporters. One of the few Labour success stories of the weekend saw incumbent mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, winning re-election.

Burnham secured 67.3 per cent of the overall vote from The City of Manchester and it’s surrounding boroughs. Burnham is regarded as one of the “cooler” politicians (if there is such a thing) – when faced with a crowd of supporters and a variety of news cameras, Burnham borrowed the line “God Bless the band” and with a knowing pause “if you know, you know…”

Burnham co opted the line from The Courteeners biggest track ‘Not Nineteen Forever’. The band themselves are Manchester stalwarts: if they’re not churning out the indie bangers at Heaton Park of Old Trafford, they can be found playing arenas up and down the country to scores of bucket-hatted fans – I’m sure Mr. Burnham enjoyed a dark fruits or two in celebration.

Manchester is very much a hot spot for new music, a whole host of sweaty, sticky venues across town are key for up and coming bands – the city is home to iconic record stores and has legions of music fans who follow their favorites with passion. This is why politics is so important to the city, the recovery from Covid and ensuring that people are safe and secure whist record shopping, or watching bands is key to the city.

As Covid restrictions ease, the citizens of Greater Manchester have a huge selection of music culture to enjoy. Bands are keen to get back on the road and Manchester is always a key date in the diary- there is such a strong selection of venues and fans that will show up in numbers.

Big shout out to Andy Burnham