Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham allocated more than £35,000 of taxpayer money to Pride‑related projects last year, including a £33,000 grant to the Superbia arts programme and a £2,575 donation to charity Stonewall. Critics say the spending diverts funds from essential services and raises questions about political impartiality.

£33,000 Superbia grant fuels accusations of “virtue‑signalling”

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) awarded a £33,000 grant to Manchester Pride Ltd for the Superbia initiative, a year‑round arts and culture programme that prioritises “Queer, Trans and Intersex People of Colour” and “wider trans communities,” according to Freedom of Information (FOI) data obtained by the Daily Mail. The grant also supports artists with up to £1,000 each to promote their projects.

Opponents, including the Taxpayers’ Alliance, argue that the money could be better spent on frontline services such as crime reduction and health care. William Yarwood, campaigns director at the Taxpayers’ Alliance, warned that “taxpayers will be livid that Burnham splurged tens of thousands on pride events and festivals.”

£2,575 Stonewall donation despite public‑sector boycott

Burnham also directed £2,575 to Stonewall for its “Proud Employer Membership,” which provides consultancy, training materials and accreditation tools to help organisations become LGBTQ+ inclusive. This move comes as more than 100 public bodies, including every major UK government department, have severed ties with Stonewall over concerns about political impartiality and value for money.

According to the FOI response, the Stonewall payment was linked to the GMCA’s desire for expert guidance on inclusion... Critics note that the donation occurs while many councils are cutting similar programmes, suggesting a possible double standard in how public funds are allocated.

£900 taxpayer‑funded entry to Manchester Pride Parade

Another £900 of public money paid for the mayor’s entry into the annual Pride Parade, which winds through Manchester’s city centre each August. The FOI request revealed the expense was recorded under “Pride month 2025” spending, although the parade took place in 2024.

Burnham defended his participation, dismissing concerns that allowing transgender‑identified individuals in single‑sex spaces endangers women’s safety. He labeled the view that such spaces should be biologically exclusive as a “minority view” in a leaked 2022 recording.

Political stakes: Burnham’s by‑election ambitions

The spending revelations surface as Burnham prepares to contest a by‑election in Makerfield, a move seen as a stepping stone toward a future challenge to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Voters in the constituency may view the £35,575 outlay as frivolous, potentially influencing his electoral prospects.

Burnham’s office responded that Greater Manchester has “a long and proud history of championing equality and diversity,” arguing that such investments enhance the region’s attractiveness for residents, businesses and tourists.

Unanswered questions about budgeting and oversight

Key uncertainties remain: How does the GMCA justify the Superbia grant against its broader budget priorities,and what internal controls govern donations to advocacy groups like Stonewall? Additionally, the exact timeline for the £900 parade expense—recorded under 2025 but incurred in 2024—has not been clarified.

Further scrutiny may be required to determine whether the spending aligns with statutory obligations for political neutrality and value for money.