It comes as the Labour mayor is given more powers
Greater Manchester's MPs will publicly scrutinise mayor Andy Burnham under new arrangements agreed as part of the latest handing over of powers. The new devolution deal which was agreed last month gives the Labour mayor more control over technical education, housing standards and local trains.
The 65-page document, which was signed on March 21 commits to allowing MPs who represent Greater Manchester constituencies to scrutinise the mayor and other portfolio holders - which includes council leaders and the deputy mayor - in public, broadcasted sessions held four times a year. These sessions could take the form of Grand Committees, which are forums for all MPs representing a nation, such as Scotland or Wales, to meet in Parliament.
He said: "There was a call from Greater Manchester MPs for more oversight at that level. I referenced the Welsh and Scottish situation. They have had a Grand Committee in Parliament for many years since devolution where MPs from Wales and Scotland are able to cross-question ministers from the Scottish government. I suggested something similar here - that there could be a Grand Committee - and it would seem that has found some favour in the text of the deal.
Councillors on the committee welcomed the new deal at a meeting held on March 22 - the day after it was signed - but they raised concerns about MPs 'duplicating' their work which should be given 'parity of esteem'. GMCA chief executive Eamonn Boylan told the committee that the latest deal is a 'very significant step forward', but said there is still an 'awful lot of work to do'.
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