Local authority for Manchester, metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority has faced questions over its Housing Investment Loan Fund, after loans totalling about 1 billion pounds were made to developers, including firms tied to Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi owners. MPs and local officials are demanding greater transparency as a scrutiny inquiry expands to examine loan approvals and the fund’s openness.
The Independent reports that Sian Astley has stated that aggressive transgender ideology will have no place in Greater Manchester under her mayoral leadership, while Stonewall and the LGBT Foundation condemn the comments as political theatre. The piece also notes a separate exchange about Nigel Farage’s donation and national security concerns surrounding its disclosure amid a broader debate about women’s spaces and policy.
Labour has elected Andy Burnham as leader and prime minister, propelled by a Makerfield by-election win. He vows to devolve power from Westminster and to drive a housing-led, regionally focused agenda. Bev Craig is set to become Greater Manchester’s mayor as Labour seeks to consolidate gains across the region.
Bev Craig is poised to become Greater Manchester mayor as Labour seeks to consolidate power after the Makerfield byelection. Results indicate Labour leads with a substantial margin, while Reform UK trails and Greens widen their foothold. Turnout remains relatively low despite the historic scale of the vote.
Westminster Council’s draft licensing policy discourages vertical drinking and table service in the West End to curb noise and disorder. The plan is open for consultation and has drawn sharp reactions from hospitality groups, the Mayor of London, and Prime Minister allies, who argue devolved powers must support nightlife.
Manchester City arrives at Anfield for a league clash amid ongoing hearings over 114 Premier League charges. A 3-0 win is recorded, but sanctions and an appeal hang over the club, coloring the result with doubt. Fans clash with narratives of cheating and sporting punishment, while manager Enzo Maresca keeps focus on the game.
The GMCA has released details of Andy Burnham’s meetings with Manchester City’s owners during his time as mayor, while the Premier League has found City in breach of financial rules. Burnham says he will publish all meetings, and opposition calls for full transparency intensify as scrutiny over overage deals and the club’s governance grows.