This week will see the launch of the Greater Manchester Co-operative Commission by the Labour & Co-operative Mayor Andy Burnham. It's an honour to be one of the commissioners and put forward my passion for young people and ensuring there are opportunities for them in places like Leigh.  

Greater Manchester already has a thriving co-operative sector. 160,000 people in Greater Manchester are members of a co-operative, collectively providing a turnover to the local economy of over £73million. This activity covers the full range of business and includes credit unions providing financial services to communities, ten housing co-operatives, leisure companies, and retail; including the modern home of the Co-operative Group, the world's largest consumer owned business.