Andy Kelly withdraws as Liberal Democrat candidate for mayor of GM

Councillor Andy Kelly

Leader of the local Liberal Democrats, Councillor Andy Kelly will no longer be standing as the Liberal Democrat candidate to be Metro Mayor of Manchester.

Councillor Kelly was set to run in the May election but has pulled out due to a change in employment, and because the pandemic has delayed the election by a year. He has said that he will continue in his role as councillor for Milnrow and Newhey and as Liberal Democrat leader for the borough.

“It is with real regret that I have had to pull out of the mayoral race,” said Councillor Kelly.

“The delayed election has put even more pressure on time commitments in this unpaid role, and a change in job role at work has created too great a conflict of interest to continue.”

It was announced in March that the local council election and mayoral election would be postponed until May 2021.

“My focus and commitment to the party in Rochdale will continue and I’ll be dedicating my time in supporting new and existing campaigners who want to change the borough for the better. We have a full round of local elections next May and I will continue to make sure opposition voices are heard across Rochdale and Greater Manchester. I will of course be supporting my replacement in the 2021 mayoral election.”

The process to replace Councillor Kelly is understood to already be underway and the North West Lib Dems will announce details on the selection of a new candidate in due course.