The Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of Greater Manchester has pulled out of the race.

Rochdale Lib Dem leader Cllr Andy Kelly was set to run in the May election but has pulled out due to a change in employment, and because the pandemic has delayed the election by a year. He will continue in his role as Cllr for Milnrow & Newhey and group leader for the borough.

"It is with real regret that I have had to pull out of the Mayoral race." Said Cllr Kelly. "The delayed election has put even more pressure on time commitments in this unpaid role, and a change in job role at work has created too great a conflict of interest to continue."

It was announced in March that both the local and Mayoral elections would be postponed until May 2021

"My focus and commitment to the party in Rochdale will continue and I'll be dedicating my time in support new and existing campaigners who want to change the borough for the better. We have a full round of local elections next May and I will continue to make sure opposition voices are heard across Rochdale and Greater Manchester. I will of course be supporting my replacement in the 2021 Mayoral election."

The North West Lib Dems say the process to replace Cllr Kelly was underway and details on the selection of a new candidate will be announced in due course.