Greater Manchester mayor pledges not to re-run Brexit arguments

The Greater Manchester mayor has promised not to re-run Brexit arguments and said he is not proposing the UK considers rejoining the European Union. In a speech at a conference in Leeds, the mayor said Brexit had been damaging but added that Britain will be stuck in a permanent rut if the country is constantly arguing.

He stated he respects the 2016 referendum decision and that undermining it would weaken democracy.

Leadership contest context The mayor is expected to challenge the current Labour leader if he wins the Makerfield by-election. He has already been cleared to seek selection as Labour's candidate after the current MP stood down. The Makerfield constituency voted strongly for Brexit in 2016 and was won by Labour in 2024 with a majority of 5,399 votes over Reform UK.

Reform UK won roughly 50 percent of the vote share in the area during recent local elections.

Party positions on EU ties The current Labour leader has insisted he will not set out a timetable to stand down as prime minister if the mayor returns to Westminster. He has also said he will not walk away from the job and wants to fight the next general election.

The Liberal Democrats accused the mayor of U-turning before he has even been elected. The current Labour leader has sought closer ties with the EU but has stuck to manifesto pledges to stay outside the bloc with no return to the single market, customs union, or freedom of movement.