The Sale man set to take on Andy Burnham for metro mayor

Dan Barker, from Sale, is set to take on Mr Burnham for the position of metro mayor on May 2.

Mr Barker is an underdog because Mr Burnham is the only one in the role since its creation around six years ago. He won the first election with a little less than two thirds of the vote and the second election with a little more than two thirds of the vote and no borough backed anyone else on either occasion.

The Conservative Party challenger said all the ex-MP is talking about is "yellow buses", a reference to the Bee Network, as opposed to other priorities from economy and employment to health and homelessness. As a magistrate he is on a mission to crack down on crime with Greater Manchester Police.

Mr Barker said: "I am excited about the opportunity to serve as the Conservative Party's candidate for Greater Manchester Mayor. I look forward to engaging with the communities, addressing their concerns, working with the government and working towards a prosperous and safe future for all residents. 

"Together, we can make Greater Manchester an even more exceptional place to live and to thrive."

Mr Barker follows in the footsteps of two Conservative Party candidates to come from Trafford. In the first election it was Sean Anstee, leader of Trafford Council for around four years, and in the second election it was Laura Evans, a member of Trafford Council for around eight years. Her husband, Nathan Evans, is the leader of the opposition at the town hall to this day.

Mr Anstee came second to Mr Burnham with around 22 per cent of the vote while Mrs Evans came second to Mr Burnham with around 20 per cent of the vote in a poll put off by a year as a result of the coronavirus crisis. 

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.