Andy Burnham runs Great North Run as PM hands over salary donation to charity

Andy Burnham is running the Great North Run today as he hands over his first salary donation as PM to a homelessness charity.

The PM is raising funds for Changing Lives, having visited the organisation last month to launch his national initiative to end rough sleeping.

He has given 15% of his first month’s PM salary to Changing Lives, fulfilling his pledge to contribute a share of his earnings to charity every month.

Last month, the PM visited Alex’s Place in Newcastle, which is run by Changing Lives, to announce measures to tackle rough sleeping backed by £442million in extra funding. The plans include offering a route off the streets by Christmas to everyone who needs it.

Andy Burnham said: "I'm running the 45th Great North Run for Changing Lives because I've seen the difference they make with my own eyes.

"A few weeks back I visited Alex's Place in Newcastle to launch our drive to offer everyone a route off the streets by Christmas. I sat down with residents over a cup of tea and heard what it actually takes to rebuild a life once you've lost everything - not just a roof, but people who stick with you while you find your feet again. That's what Changing Lives does.

"Tackling homelessness is a moral mission for me. It's why I promised to end rough sleeping on my first day as PM, and why I'm proud to pull on a Changing Lives shirt today. If you can spare a few quid, please chip in and support them."

The PM is competing in the Great North Run in a personal capacity.

Separately, he donates 15% of his MP salary to local causes within his Makerfield constituency.