EVEN Ivan Lewis's biggest critics could not accuse him of failing to think big.

For the Bury South MP has tabled an idea that could see international footballing glory come to the North in the next 14 years.

Mr Lewis, who wants to be the first elected mayor of Greater Manchester, said England should bid for the 2030 World Cup — and should be on standby to host the 2026 event in case USA replaces Qatar as the 2022 host over concerns about heat and workers' rights there.

The centrepiece of the bid, Mr Lewis said, should be the 'Northern Powerhouse', the idea that the North of England should be foster a strong economy supported by more decisions being devolved to local officials, such as the Greater Manchester mayor.

Mr Lewis said: "The long overdue overhaul of FIFA provides a real opportunity for England to launch a credible bid for the World Cup.

"Fifty years on from that historic World Cup, which we hosted and won, it is time to aim high again with a World Cup bid rooted in the footballing success and global reach of Manchester United and City, Liverpool and Everton.

"As the two most successful football coaches in the world (Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola) arrive in Manchester, the Government and football authorities should use this opportunity to show their commitment to a Northern Powerhouse is more than empty rhetoric."

He added: "The Manchester Commonwealth Games demonstrated what is possible and a World Cup bid would not only be a great sporting moment, but has the potential to raise the horizons of our young people and attract major infrastructure investment."

Mr Lewis said he has written to David Cameron and the Football Association to ask for a meeting about his bid idea and added that he would lobby ministers about if he becomes Labour's candidate for the elected mayor role.

His rivals for the Labour ticket are Andy Burnham MP and incumbent Tony Lloyd and a decision is expected in the autumn.