LEIGH MP Andy Burnham has announced that he will leave his position as shadow home secretary.

Mr Burnham used his speech at the Labour party conference today to reveal that he will leave his post to focus on his bid to become the first elected Mayor of Greater Manchester.

He has already stated that he will step down as an MP if he is elected into the new position after an election last May.

The former cabinet minister has secured the Labour nomination for the Mayoral position and will therefore be the favourite to win next year.

Speaking in Liverpool today, Mr Burnham said: "It is time for me to turn my full focus to Greater Manchester.

"That’s why I can tell you all first today that I have asked Jeremy (Corbyn) to plan a new Shadow Cabinet without me, although I will of course stay until it is in place.

"It has been my privilege to represent our great Party these last 10 years.

But, at times, the last 12 months have made me profoundly sad.

"Sad to hear the achievements of our Labour Government, in which I was proud to serve, being dismissed as if they were nothing.

"Sad that old friendships have been strained; sad that some seem to prefer fighting each other than the Tories.

He added: "I have given my all to this Party and always put its interests above those of factions and personalities.

"And I have given exactly the same loyalty to all four of the Labour leaders I have served."

Mr Corbyn will deliver his keynote speech to the conference at 2pm today.