Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham will forgo attending a scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street, opting instead to focus on the upcoming Makerfield by-election. Burnham is standing as the Labour candidate in the North West constituency, a move seen by his supporters as an initial step toward a potential leadership challenge to Starmer.

The meeting, set for Thursday, was convened by Starmer as part of the government’s efforts to accelerate housing development and infrastructure projects across England. It marks the first gathering of regional mayors since the passage of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act, which grants expanded powers to local authorities.

Burnham’s absence—due to his campaign commitments—was confirmed by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, which stated that a nominated deputy would represent the mayor at the event. The authority noted that it is not unusual for the mayor to miss Downing Street meetings.

Starmer is expected to use the meeting to urge mayors to advance stalled or diluted proposals for new housing and infrastructure projects, emphasizing the government’s commitment to long-term growth and public investment. This initiative comes amid heightened political tensions following recent local elections, including Enfield Council’s decision to withdraw from plans to create a new town development. The council shifted from Labour to Conservative control last month, raising questions about local cooperation on national housing goals.

Downing Street has insisted that decisions regarding new town proposals will be made in the "national interest," underscoring the government’s determination to address the housing crisis despite local opposition. In an effort to enhance transport connections linked to proposed developments, the Prime Minister is expected to initiate discussions with the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, regarding the transfer of suburban rail services from Moorgate to Welwyn Garden City and Stevenage under Transport for London’s management. This move aims to improve service reliability and support commuting options for new residents.

Ahead of the meeting, Starmer highlighted the need to overcome bureaucratic obstacles that have historically slowed projects, stating, “We’re turning that on its head by backing our mayors to get Britain building again, with spades in the ground and more jobs.” He acknowledged the presence of opposition voices but stressed the importance of prioritizing future generations in the government’s development agenda.

The meeting underscores the Labour government’s broader push to empower regional leaders with greater responsibilities for housing and infrastructure, while navigating political complexities arising from recent electoral shifts and local government dynamics.