BURY South MP Ivan Lewis has announced that he is battling to become the first elected mayor of Greater Manchester.

He has promised to "stand up to the Tories from day one to seek a new, better devolution deal that benefits every part of Greater Manchester."

The first hurdle Mr Lewis must overcome is to become Labour’s candidate in the elections.

The party is still to announce its process for choosing a candidate, but hopes to have chosen their nominee by this autumn.

Labour’s domination of political power in the county means its candidate would be favourite to clinch victory in the mayoral vote on May 4, 2017.

Ivan said: “I believe radical change is necessary in Greater Manchester to reconnect economic growth with social justice and begin a new era of politics with more open democracy. I want local councillors, entrepreneurs, trade unionists, voluntary sector organisations and community activists to join me in a new mission to fight inequality and transform Greater Manchester.

“Good jobs, high quality education and skills, better health, especially mental health, quality public transport and affordable housing must become the norm in all parts of Greater Manchester. We can no longer afford to waste the talent of too many of our fellow residents or ignore the distinct challenges facing the most disadvantaged parts of the conurbation. Our future success as a fair society and dynamic economy depends upon our capacity to open up opportunities, shatter ‘glass ceilings’ and support people to fulfil their potential.

“I will stand up to the Tories from Day One to seek a new, better devolution deal that benefits every part of Greater Manchester. George Osborne and his Tory colleagues should be in no doubt that as the Labour mayor I will fight for more resources, more powers and stand in the way of any further attempts to privatise the NHS.

“I will also change the way we do politics, opening up our democracy so local councillors and communities play a bigger part and have a stronger voice in shaping our future; ensuring women and people from BME communities are properly represented at the highest levels in political and public service roles, reflecting the diversity of our community."

If Mr Lewis were to become the county’s mayor, he would be entitled to continue as Bury South MP, but may choose not to, given the work loads of both roles.

Now aged 48, Mr Lewis was a Bury councillor for eight years before winning the Bury South seat in 1997 – a seat he has successfully defended four times.

He is due for re-election in 2020.

When the Labour Party was in Government, Mr Lewis was minister for international development, care and foreign and commonwealth affairs.

More recently, he was the shadow minister for culture media and sport, Northern Ireland.

The only other politician to announce their intention to stand in the mayoral election is Tony Lloyd, who is interim mayor of Greater Manchester until the election.

The position has been created as part of Devolution Manchester, a structural change aimed at giving the county more decision-making powers on issues such as policing, transport and healthcare.