Kate Green is to stand down as the MP for Stretford and Urmston in a matter of weeks to take over as Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester.

The MP, who has served the area since 2010, is set to replace Beverley Hughes in the role by the New Year.

Ms Green announced an intention to stand down earlier this year, but this was intended to be at the time of a general election.

Instead, a by-election is set to start soon, with Trafford Council leader Andrew Western as the candidate for the Labour Party.

In a statement to constituents on Wednesday, Ms Green said: "It has been an enormous privilege to represent my wonderful constituents in Stretford and Urmston over the past 12 years, and I am very sad that I will no longer be your MP. 

"But we have a great candidate in Cllr Andrew Western, and I look forward to campaigning to get him elected to parliament. 

"I am also very pleased that I will have the opportunity to continue to serve people in Stretford and Urmston, and across Greater Manchester, in my new role.

"I want to pay tribute to all [Beverley Hughes] has achieved in the role – she has always been a huge source of support to me. I am very much looking forward to working closely with her to secure a smooth transition in the coming weeks."

As the Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, Ms Green will be responsible for police, crime, criminal justice and fire. She will follow in the footsteps of Baroness Hughes for the second time, as the current Deputy Mayor was the MP for Stretford and Urmston up until 2010.

Anything other than a hold for the Labour Party would be a shock in a by-election, as the safe seat returned a majority of more than 16,000 three years ago.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. Jack is the reporter for The Messenger and covers anything and everything from within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford.

To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.