Beth Abbit
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🖊️ Journalist @MENnewsdesk. 📧 Mancunian Way newsletter editor. Regional Press Awards Feature Writer of the Year 2023.
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Articles by Beth Abbit
‘He's coming across as a jaundiced football fan when really he’s the Prime Minister now’
Manchester Evening News and Yahoo will earn commission from purchases made via links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change. Beth Abbit Sun, 25 October 2026 at 4:45 pm UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. -Credit:Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images "The job of the council is very clear. We don't do foreign policy or negotiate with other governments.
The Mancunian Way: How’s Levelling Up going, Prime Minister?
Keep up to date with all the big stories from across Greater Manchester in the daily Mancunian Way newsletter. You can receive the newsletter direct to your inbox every weekday by signing up . There was a frosty reception for the Tories as they arrived in Manchester for their annual party conference.
The showman and intellectual who made Manchester what it is today
The last time I saw he was in great spirits. "We all have to wear these now," he said with a wry smile as he pointed to the Andy Burnham T-shirt beneath his tracksuit jacket.
How ‘Glastonbury for nerds’ introduced the nation to the real Andy Burnham
"People who know Burnham and have known him for a few years still occasionally say 'is this happening? It's Andy who does the buses and now he's got the nuclear codes'." It's a comical assessment but one that passes muster given our new Prime Minister's stratospheric rise to power over the last 12 months. In September 2025, Andy Burnham was keeping a low profile at the Labour Party conference.
The Mancunian Way: This charming man
As I send this newsletter, Andy Burnham is in the middle of his first face-to-face meeting with Donald Trump. So far the two men have had a fairly straightforward relationship - aside from the PM correcting Trump on his assessment of Manchester . But the verdict from both after today's meeting is yet to come. Hopefully Trump has a better impression of Mr Burnham than professional Cockney geezer Danny Dyer, who said he doesn't know who he is in this pithy assessment. "But who is he?
‘I rely on donated blood - but the NHS can only supply half of what’s needed’
Caroline Fyneface was just 13 when she had her first serious sickle cell crisis. "The severe pain was frightening," she says now. "Despite many different treatments and medications, these didn't make much difference or reduce the number of crises I had." Caz, from Salford, was among the first generation of babies diagnosed with sickle cell disorder through the NHS Newborn Blood Spot Screening Programme - informally known as the heel prick test.
‘Why don't you catch some burglars or car thieves? Why are you stopping men dancing?’
When religious groups were calling the Gay Village 'Satan's Square', Pat Karney and his colleagues 'put their arms around' the district. "We had this thing that there's no second class citizens in Manchester," he says. Graham Stringer took over leadership of Manchester Council from 1984 with Pat as his deputy and the two men went on a mission to make the Village a safe space.
‘I hope one day there won’t be a need for Pride
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‘I hope one day there won’t be a need for Pride - we’re certainly not there yet’
"I hope one day - and I don't know whether it will be in my lifetime or not - there won't be a need for Pride because everyone will be equal," says Steph Kay. "We're certainly not there yet." It started with a few trestle tables and some games to raise money for AIDS sufferers. It transformed into a behemoth with international stars to rival the world's biggest festivals. But bigger isn't always better.
The Greater Manchester commuter belt locations with the fastest growing price tags
Homes on Greater Manchester's commuter belt are getting increasingly expensive. And experts say green space, good transport links and thriving local communities are a major draw for buyers. One property expert says the post-pandemic trend that saw buyers embrace working from home is "starting to swing back" with many people now looking for a "hybrid" location.
The Mancunian Way: “Pals? Pals?!”
When I meet Rachel Fairburn at the Frog and Bucket in town she is wearing a very cool leopard print Adidas jacket. I take a punt and, early on in our interview, try and steer the conversation around to Coronation Street. "You know what makes me laugh loads now? Classic Coronation Street," says the comedian. "Some of the lines in that, it's so well written." I mention that I almost wore my Bet Lynch badge to our interview but thought it made me look unprofessional. "You should have worn it!" she says.
Manchester Evening News podcast looks at Andy Burnham's first week in power
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‘Articles are already emerging about how much he loves himself’ - new Manchester Evening News podcast looks at Burnham’s first week in power
"I wouldn't go as far as to say if he was an ice cream, he'd lick himself. But I think this is not a guy who struggles with putting himself out there." That idiosyncratic quote, about the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, comes from a new Manchester Evening News podcast. Each week, we'll be calling on our team of expert reporters to analyse and discuss Greater Manchester's biggest stories and those that set the national agenda for The Mancunian Way podcast.
'I want to publish the receipts'
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Sian Astley: The Reform fixer taking aim at Andy Burnham's Greater Manchester legacy
Sian Astley has only been in politics since May - but she's already on a mission to change things dramatically. Reform UK's Greater Manchester mayoral candidate launched her campaign by promising to "open up the books on contracts Andy Burnham awarded during his time as Labour's Mayor" if she is elected. She also wants to look at the decisions the former mayor made about inquiries into grooming gangs.
‘Tell them you’re not coming in’
There were more than a few bleary eyes this morning after last night's ill-timed England match. But the extreme fatigue seems to have been completely overridden by utter joy and delight. Two-goal hero Jude Bellingham suggested everyone should take the day off after the World Cup match against Mexico. "Text your bosses and tell them you're not coming in, simple as that," he said. If only, Jude. If only.
Reform UK select property expert and businesswoman Sian Astley as Greater Manchester mayoral candidate
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His legendary poem caused car crashes, now Lemn Sissay wants to see it returned to Manchester
His poem, which once adorned the gable end of Hardy's Well, on Wilmslow Road, is still the work Lemn Sissay is most often recognised for - despite the pub being demolished three years ago. The former University of Manchester chancellor says he can be anywhere in the world and people will mention the importance of the work - which adorned the gable end of the pub for almost 30 years.
A shark infested tie, David Byrne’s big suit and a cape befitting a space warrior
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A shark infested tie, David Byrne’s big suit and a cape befitting a space warrior - politicians pose on polling day
The sartorial choices of politicians and their spouses perhaps means more than it should. Sir Keir Starmer has mastered the 'centrist dad' look with his bomber jackets and Adidas Gazelles - but has it done anything for his image? Feeling the pressure of the public eye, Samantha Cameron famously employed the styling of Isabel Spearman.
‘It was butcher, baker and candlestick-maker’ - Lemn Sissay on the Makerfield of his youth
The Makerfield by-election has had an unexpected side effect for Lemn Sissay. It has given the celebrated poet a new perspective on the town where he spent his formative years. He has returned to Ashton many times, speaking in depth about the mother he was taken from, the foster family who abandoned him at the age of 12 and years of abuse that followed in care homes around Wigan. Much of his art is based on these experiences and their after effects.
How Count Binface plans to Makerfield Great Again
If you lose in Makerfield, what will you blame it on? "The voters probably," says Count Binface, in strident mood. With only a few days to go before Makerfield residents go to the polls, the intergalactic space warrior is ramping up his campaign to become the next Member of Parliament for Makerfield. And he has just released his secret weapon - a cover version of Cher's Walking In Memphis.
‘People are being taken for a ride’
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'I don't want to be Prime Minister. I want to be MP for Makerfield': The Thatcherite facing Labour and Reform
As a schoolboy, Michael Winstanley was the only lad to put up his hand in class when the teacher asked who would vote Conservative. Even as a child, the young Thatcherite knew his own mind. But it was a lonely stance to take in a mining town full of Labour supporters. Fast forward 40 years and he is standing for the Tories in the Makerfield byelection against frontrunners Andy Burnham and Robert Kenyon.
The Green candidate in Makerfield is betting on hope in an age of anger
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Reform's white van man Robert Kenyon has some things to say
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‘Sorry Blur, it's just not even a discussion’, Andy Burnham doesn’t chop and change loyalties
Andy Burnham has revealed a distinctly Manchester-centric taste in music over the years. Badly Drawn Boy, 808 State, New Order, Richard Ashcroft and Doves all featured in his DJ set at Ramona . And he has spun records by bands like The Stone Roses and Oasis during . But does he really love our great city’s music output more than any other?
Andy Burnham's plan to stop anti-social behaviour in Ashton-in-Makerfield
Beth Abbit Andy Burnham says he will strengthen policing in Ashton-in-Makerfield as part of his offer to voters. Groups of as many as 50 young people have been congregating, typically on weekend evenings. Residents blame the issue on a lack of local police station and no youth centre for children and teenagers. Mr Burnham has suggested a similar approach for Ashton-in-Makerfield. “It's already on my radar and was before this campaign,” he said. “I've spoken to GMP about it.
Andy Burnham's plan to stop anti-social behaviour in Ashton-in-Makerfield
Andy Burnham says he will strengthen policing in Ashton-in-Makerfield as part of his offer to voters. The Labour man is hoping to become the town’s new MP and says he is fully aware that anti-social behaviour is one of the key issues facing locals. Earlier this year, the Manchester Evening News revealed that groups of teenagers have been causing chaos in the town centre. Businesses have been forced to close early, with staff and members of the public verbally assaulted, intimidated and targeted.
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy
HELLO, The timeless visual metaphor was splashed across the papers after he revealed that he intended to seek permission to run in the Ashton-in-Makerfield by-election. Speaking at an investment summit in Leeds, Mr Burnham described Brexit as ‘damaging' but insisted the referendum result should be respected. He said the UK should instead pursue a “stronger, more collaborative approach to Europe” while concentrating on domestic economic renewal rather than “re-running” old political arguments.
The Mancunian Way: Peak Partridge
Back in September, when Andy Burnham his leadership bid, we suggested it was a . He certainly showed more than that on Friday. The mayor bolted out of his Warrington home to waiting cameras in a pair of shorts that can only be described as Minogue-esque. The timeless visual metaphor was splashed across the papers after he revealed that he intended to seek permission to run in the Ashton-in-Makerfield by-election.
The relaxing Spanish garden suite with a hot tub, tropical plants and some rousing Latin EDM
It’s 2.30pm and the gentle beat of Latin EDM is waking me up from a glorious and much-needed siesta. As I fling open the patio doors I can hear the unmistakable sound of aqua-aerobics. My toddler - also fresh from his nap - nods and flails his arms in a movement that can only be described as Kate Bush-esque. His newly discovered moves are to become a running theme of our seven-night stay at the lovely Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol.
The Mancunian Way: Better than a soap?
Ange has been cleared, Wes has quit and Andy’s keeping schtum. Sounds like the synopsis to a 1960s episode of Coronation Street, doesn’t it? Except you can probably expect more backstabbing and slightly less hairspray from key players in Westminster this week. We’ll be trawling through the latest drama gripping the Government a little further down the newsletter. But for now, I wanted to talk about the wonderful images at the centre of a new exhibition charting 50 years of change in Salford.
The Mancunian Way: Fighting talk
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The Mancunian Way: Fighting talk
Hello and welcome, “Andy’s doing a great job as mayor in Manchester,” , pointedly, during a press conference this morning. The Greater Manchester mayor might want to hold off on gifting the Prime Minister that ‘I heart Burnham’ t-shirt just yet though. The PM is fighting for his political life after Labour’s mauling in the local elections last week.
The Mancunian Way: Queen Elizabeth's surname?
We don’t like to do things by halves here at the Manchester Evening News. So when Iram Ramzan started as our new Politics Writer last month, she was …
The Mancunian Way: Wait waterless wanderer
Sitting on the top deck of the Magic Bus on Manchester’s famously dense Wilmslow Road each morning, I played a game. How much of Lemn Sissay’s poem could I read before the bus pulled away from the traffic lights opposite Hardy’s Well? I never got to the end and, as such, I never fully appreciated the beauty of Sissay’s ode to the Mancunian pub, with its tongue-twisting stanzas.
The Mancunian Way: Gothic beauty
Albert Square is looking resplendent in the Spring sunshine after finally re-opening to the public. The plaza has been closed since 2018 for major refurbishment, but the gleaming newly-restored Albert Memorial and newly paved space has finally been revealed. Heras fencing was removed on Monday, allowing city centre workers and visitors to admire the space.
The Mancunian Way: More flags than people
Beth Abbit HELLO, "I don't know if they're trying to feed off some of the discontent in the north west, but Manchester seems like it's become the main place for these types of protest now,” says Neil Clarke. “It's crackers.
The Mancunian Way: More flags than people
"I don't know if they're trying to feed off some of the discontent in the north west, but Manchester seems like it's become the main place for these types of protest now,” says Neil Clarke. “It's crackers.
How the Curry Mile is changing
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The Great Exhaustion
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The Mancunian Way: The Great Exhaustion
In many ways, human health is no longer a mystery. Technology has put access to health data directly into our hands. Whether through medical records stored on apps on our phones, or wearable devices that track our steps, sleep, heart rate, calories and even blood sugar - we are now constantly plugged into our own biology. And some devices seem to know our bodies better than we do - telling us when we're run down, in need of rest, or even predicting the exact hour a period is due to start.
Invading a sanctuary
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The Mancunian Way: Invading a sanctuary
The Gay Village has been a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ people for decades. Now it’s being invaded by a handful of so-called auditors, armed with cameras. As reporter Stephen Topping reports, content creators will spend hours at a time filming content from public spaces, before editing their footage down for a YouTube video that could last somewhere between 20 and 90 minutes.
The Mancunian Way: In crisis
It stinks of rat urine, the kitchens are 'often filthy' and one in four inmates tested positive for illicit substances. Strangeways is a prison in crisis. And 18 months after being effectively placed in special measures, conditions at HMP Manchester have barely improved. Back in the Autumn of 2024, a scathing report described the crumbling Victorian prison as 'appalling' and called it one of the most violent prisons in the UK.
A decade after Victoria Wood’s death, a new brass band show will celebrate her musical legacy
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Why was a disabled man fined £300 for parking at the gym?
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The Mancunian Way: Sister BangBang
When Ken Bunch, Fred Brunbard and a friend walked through San Francisco’s Castro Street dressed in nun’s habits, they set in motion decades of campaigning. Wearing outfits originally donated by a local convent for a stage rendition of The Sound of Music, they paraded through the then-emerging gay neighbourhood on Easter weekend. It sparked a reaction. Four months later, an order had officially started taking on the name of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
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