PARTY solidarity will be cast aside at the weekend when Leigh MP Andy Burnham pulls on his running shoes for charity.

Mr Burnham — Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary — will be taking part in the inaugural Wigan 10k run on Sunday, alongside Wigan Labour MP Lisa Nandy.

They will be raising money for Joining Jack, a charity which funds research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Mr Burnham said: “I’m feeling worried, especially since I know how seriously Lisa’s taking it.

“I think there’s a healthy rivalry between Wigan and Leigh, but the most important thing about the race is drumming up support for an important cause.

“Lisa’s younger and fitter than me, so while I’m competitive, I’m not sure I’ll be able to beat her.

“I’ve got the hopes of the people of Leigh on my shoulders so I hope I don’t let them down. If I do they’ll never let me forget it.”

More than 2,600 runners have entered the race which starts and ends in Wigan town centre. The duo can be sponsored at justgiving.com/Lisa-Andy.