Manchester venue floated to host G20 in 2027

Over the years it has played host to The Smiths, Oasis and X-Factor auditions, but now the former G-Mex centre in Manchester is reportedly in the running to host Donald Trump and other world leaders.

The Manchester Central Convention Complex has been floated to be the venue for the G20, an annual gathering of the biggest economies from across the globe, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

If the city is chosen to host the event, the G20 would be the largest summit ever held in Manchester.

The government refused to confirm the details of the event, but insisted more information "will be announced in due course".

The move to host the G20 in Manchester was reportedly set up months ago, after Andy Burnham became Prime Minister.

He used his first phone call with Trump to invite him to the city, which is said to have been accepted by the US president.

It is understood that planning has already started for the enormous gathering, which will require the biggest security operation the city has ever seen.

Manchester Central was earmarked as the most suitable venue because of its city centre location and having hosted large political events, such as the Conservative Party conference, in the past.

Holding the event in Manchester was seen by some as part of Mr Burnham's promise to start shifting power away from London.

G20 countries represent around two thirds of the world's entire population and the annual event was first set up in 1999 with the aim of promoting financial stability and cooperation between the world's leading economies.

The event is marked by a major gathering of world leaders from 19 nations, as well as the EU and the African Union.

Robert Downes, from the Federation of Small Businesses in Greater Manchester, described the G20 as an 'absolute win-win-win' for the region in July.

He said at the time: "Political elites and decision makers from around the globe will be in town for a few days to see and soak up what makes our part of the world special, with Mancunian hospitality hopefully being grandstanded."

The UK hosted the G20 in 2009 in London and the cost of the security operation at the time was an estimated £7.2m.

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