GREATER MANCHESTER DECIDES 2021: Full list of Mayoral candidates

It's just over a week to go until Greater Manchester goes to the polls to decide who should be the region's mayor.

The mayoral election, which was originally due to take place last year but was postponed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, will go ahead on Thursday 6 May 2021.

We'll be hearing from those who want the job in our bulletins over the next week and a half.

Here's a look at the candidates:

Nick Buckley - Reform UK

Nick says, "I helped kids to avoid a life of crime. I saved kids from abuse. I designed projects to tackle our homelessness crisis and supported rough sleepers into accommodation. Many of our problems are a direct consequence of our system of governance.

I run a successful charity and business. I am used to creating teams that deliver success. It’s time to put the GREAT back into Greater Manchester."

Andy Burnham - Labour and Co-operative Party

Andy says, "Last year, I stood up to the Tory Government when they tried to treat people here as second-class citizens.

I was a strong voice for Greater Manchester and together we stood firm. Days later the Government gave in.

I will never accept second best for you, your family or your community.

I will always be your voice, standing up for Greater Manchester and the North of England."

Watch Andy Burnham answers questions on policing, rough sleeping and how he hopes to see the region recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Laura Evans - Conservative and Unionist Party

Laura says, "The Greater Manchester Mayor was meant to deliver change. But that hasn’t happened.

Crime is rising. Public transport’s congested. And if you live outside of central Manchester, you’re being left behind.

We have a chance to do things differently."

We sat down with Laura to chat about her policies, watch the full interview below.

Marcus Farmer - Independent

Marcus says, "Being bold, confident and positive is the only way to move forward.

Let's take back control...

No dither, no delay!"

Melanie Horrocks - Green Party

Melanie says, “I’m a qualified solicitor, with a career rooted in criminal defence, and six years at the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

“Something has gone very wrong with policing in Greater Manchester. With the force now in special measures, I’m the candidate with the experience needed to put things right.”

Simon Lepori - Liberal Democrats

Simon says, "Greater Manchester is a great place to live, I have lived in Stretford with my partner for the past 15 years and I am lucky to have found my Forever Home.

I know that so many of you are still struggling to find a home; that is one of the reasons why I have opposed the current development plan for Greater Manchester (GMSF).

It doesn’t provide the right homes in the right places. We need to build on our brownfield sites first and make sure we build social housing to help people into a place they can call their home."

Watch our full interview with Simon below:

Alec Marvel - Independent

Alec says, "I went to Brazil and Colombia last year to help fight the pandemic. When I came home Manchester looked worse than a 3rd world country, thanks to Andy Burnham. I was born in Manchester, Andy was Born in Liverpool. How can you care about a city you did not grow up in? I am bipartisan I believe in all working together to make a place better for the people we represent".

Stephen Morris - English Democrats

Stephen says, "I was born, raised, live and worked all my life in Greater Manchester. I have worked in retail and public transport where I was the Unite Branch Secretary until moving to the Workers of England Union and in 2015 becoming the General Secretary.

My manifesto, my contract with you, guarantees 'Local Jobs for Local People', a living wage, social housing and public transport fit for purpose.

I know what it takes for businesses to survive; I know what we need to do to make public transport an attractive option to use."

David Sutcliffe - Independent

David says, "I am standing as a candidate in this election to try to expose and counteract the wrongdoing and criminality of Andy Burnham, his deputy Bev Hughes and Senior Police officers within Greater Manchester Police."

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.