James Whitfield
Politics Correspondent
James Whitfield is the Politics Correspondent at The Manchester Daily, covering local government, the combined authority, the mayor’s office and the decisions shaping the city-region.
He explains what the council and Greater Manchester’s leaders are actually doing — and what it means for the people who live here — in plain English.
James’s latest articles
Russian UK Embassy Issues Nuclear Warning Following Sky Television Broadcast
The Russian embassy in London has warned of a severe response to any NATO military action following a hypothetical scenario broadcast on UK television.
Six major financial and regulatory changes coming to the UK this October
From energy price cap adjustments and new vaping taxes to expanded DWP enforcement powers, here are the key money changes taking effect this month.
'Nothing is off the table': Burnham signals tax rises for National Care Service as triple lock faces the axe
The Times says the pensions triple lock could be scrapped to fund free social care. The i Paper says Burnham has "signalled major tax hikes." The Sun warns of "another raid on pay packets." And a suspected bomb plot near an RAF base has been linked to Iran.
Manchester Central floated to host Trump and world leaders at G20 summit in 2027
The former G-Mex centre, which has hosted The Smiths, Oasis and X-Factor auditions, is reportedly in the running for the largest summit ever held in Manchester. The move was set up after Burnham invited Trump to the city in their first phone call.
Andy Burnham becomes first sitting PM to run the Great North Run as he raises funds for homelessness charity
The Prime Minister is running for Changing Lives after pledging to end rough sleeping by Christmas. He said: "Tackling homelessness is a moral mission for me."
Labour holds Burnage as 'Burnham bounce' credited with bringing voters back after May losses
Carl Austin-Behan won 1,365 votes to the Green Party's 1,037 in a race both sides called "very close." Council leader Garry Bridges said Labour voters who "deserted the party in May" are "coming back."
'People are coming and shouting at us': the battle over the soul of Market Street
A petition wants Manchester City Council to review how its busiest street is managed. But traders say the real problem is TikTokers filming them without consent and turning public opinion against their livelihoods.
'More money won't solve the problem': charities respond as Greater Manchester gets £17m to end rough sleeping by Christmas
Andy Burnham has pledged to get everyone off the streets by Christmas, but charities warn that emergency funding alone cannot fix systemic issues. Rough sleeping fell from 268 to 90 under Burnham's mayoralty but has since risen back to 197.
Bev Craig elected Greater Manchester Mayor as PM Burnham pledges new regional powers
Labour's Bev Craig has won the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election, succeeding Prime Minister Andy Burnham and praising his plans to devolve income tax powers to local leaders.
Bev Craig Elected Greater Manchester Mayor After Defeating Reform UK
Labour's Bev Craig has won the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election, succeeding Andy Burnham following a contest marked by a historically low voter turnout.