Andy Burnham’s departure as Mayor of Greater Manchester was marked by the presentation of a chair valued at £700, a detail revealed following a Freedom of Information request submitted to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). The chair, which features images representing the city, was already part of the GMCA’s inventory prior to being given as a leaving gift.

Burnham expressed his approval of the gift, describing it as emblematic of Manchester’s distinctive character. “This is Manchester. We do things differently here,” he said in response to receiving the chair.

The disclosure of the chair’s cost drew criticism from some political figures. Mike Wood, Shadow Cabinet Office Minister, commented on the expenditure, stating, “The King of the North may have his throne, but for hard-working families nothing will cushion the impending tax rises.” Wood’s remarks highlighted concerns about public spending amid economic pressures facing taxpayers.

The GMCA has not provided further comment on the decision to present the chair as a farewell gift or on the broader context of expenditure on official gifts. Burnham served as Mayor of Greater Manchester from 2017 until his recent resignation in 2026, a period during which he gained national recognition for his approach to regional governance.