Andy Burnham considering bid for Greater Manchester mayor

The former Labour leadership contender is to decide whether to seek the role when it comes up for election in 2017

Mr Burnham has been criticised for his comments in which he appeared to criticise freedom of movement (Getty)

Shadow home secretary Andy Burnham is considering standing to be the mayor of Greater Manchester when it comes up for election in 2017.

The former Labour leadership contender has yet to decide whether to seek the role, his spokesman said.

Mr Burnham, who was comprehensively defeated by Jeremy Corbyn when he ran for the Labour leadership in 2015, intends to remain a member of the shadow cabinet even if he does seek the role.

Former Cabinet minister Mr Burnham has been MP for Leigh in Greater Manchester since 2001 and the role would give him the chance for one of the biggest jobs in local government in England.

He has garnered approval for championing the cause of the victims of the Hillsborough disaster.

A spokesman for Mr Burnham said: "Approaches have been made to Andy Burnham to give consideration to this role.

"It is early days and no decision has been taken. Whatever the decision, he will continue to serve the leader of the party and stay in the shadow cabinet."

Labour MP John McDonnell told Sky News that if Mr Burnham ran for Greater Manchester mayor "it will be a real loss to Parliament".

He added: "I would want him to stay on and be the home secretary when we go into power because I think he is such a tremendous asset for the Labour Party, but I know how dedicated he is not just to his constituency, but how he has been a dedicated advocate for the North as well.

"He is a northern lad, he has got real grassroots and I can see how he is tempted by that and why others are saying 'why not think about it'."