The exhaustive list, because Guido couldn’t resist:
- 2017: “I’m not doing this as a stepping stone. I’m taking on this role on a long-term basis to build up the voice of the north of England and Greater Manchester.”
- 2017: “It feels to me like I’m leaving-leaving.”
- 2017: “I’m devoting myself to it wholeheartedly, I don’t do anything by halves. I’m not really a tactical politician in that way. If I do something I try and embrace it wholeheartedly. I’m doing it in that spirit and I hope to be here for the long-term.”
- 2021: “But this is the job in politics I truly want. Why? Because, in a way I could never be in Westminster, this job brings out the real me.”
- 2021: “it’s still the case that I expect this to be my last job”
- 2021: “But I don’t see it happening and I do believe genuinely this will be my last job in politics, I’ve said that before, I’m just saying I’m not, I don’t want to do the politician thing of answering something not completely truthfully… I would love to do a third and even a fourth term if people would have me, I don’t know if they would, but if they would I would like to do that.”
- 2024: Andy “much happier” in as mayor, wants to “serve a full third term, because the stuff I want to do hasn’t been done yet.” He went on: “Everyone says I use [the mayor job] as a stepping stone, and that has never been the case… that would be a pretty big stepping stone if I was planning a return to Westminster.”
- 2024: “When it comes to the decency and warmth of the people, there is no better city region on Earth than this one that we live in. That is why being elected to represent for the third time means absolutely everything to me. I can honestly say I have never given anything less than my all to this job and I’ve tried to be there for all communities, and everyone who lives here – and I promise to do again.” Post re-election…
- 2024: “I am ready to fight harder than I have ever fought for anything before, for a Greater Manchester where people can live free from the fear of debt, hunger and eviction, and where everyone is set up to be part of the growing success story that is our city region today. Greater Manchester will continue to lead the way and we will do it together, thank you so much for your support. I look forward to getting on with the job again immediately, and I won’t let you down.”
- 2024: “Honestly, I’m here for a full third term.”
- 2024: “I am committed to my third term, absolutely. I’m not planning to head back to Westminster any time soon.”
- 2025: “I love everything about this job. I love what’s happening here in Greater Manchester. I’m completely committed to it.”
- 2025: Being mayor “the best job politics can offer… this is such a privilege. It’s a job I’ve loved every minute of.”
- 2025: “You’d have to wrench me out of Manchester.”
- 2025: “if this is my last job in politics, I’m absolutely happy with that and I’m not in any way sort of hankering or plotting a return. I think what we’ve established here is of more lasting national significance than a short stint back in a position in Westminster.”
Incidentally Andy has also spoken about how terrible the costs are for elections and how leadership wrangling “doesn’t help anybody.” Tempora mutantur…
