It is unwise to dismiss Bagso's concerns on this matter as Jetblast fodder. Much of the roadmap for MAN's development over coming years has focused on the airport playing a key role in the evolution of the 'Northern Powerhouse' initiative. However, when [in Feb 2015] a tranche of new powers were announced devolving certain NHS and social care responsibilities to Manchester, Burnham in particular was widely reported to be "furious" with MCC officials. He reportedly raged at the [pragmatic] Labour Party hierarchy at Manchester City Council for working closely with Conservative Chancellor George Osborne, and indicated that if he became health secretary (this was pre-election) he would block such agreements. Subsequently, he penned an article in the MEN which came across as a damage-limitation exercise, praising GM leaders as "always more interested in getting the best deal for our people than playing party politics." Is that true of himself as well?
It would be easy for an outside observer to suspect that Mr Burnham may prefer party political grandstanding to setting aside differences by working constructively with all parties for the betterment of Greater Manchester. Given the very public spat, it is open to question whether he could now work harmoniously with Sir Richard Leese and co, let alone the Conservatives at Westminster. If Burnham sees the mayoralty as an opportunity to thwart Osborne politically rather than as a platform to secure the best deal for Greater Manchester, then Manchester Airport's prospects will pay a price as the NPH concept withers on the vine.
Note that this is not a party-political observation. Sir Richard Leese is one of a number of Labour figures who would have made an outstanding candidate for the post. Unfortunately, he has confirmed that he will not run.
Voting patterns in Greater Manchester are such that the real battle will be the choice of Labour nominee for the role of Mayor. The actual election beyond that is likely to be a formality. So it is of particular importance to MAN that Labour select a mayoral candidate who will adopt a pragmatic approach to working with all parties towards building a successful NPH with the airport at its heart. Some (but not all) Labour candidates will tick that box.