Bev Craig elected Greater Manchester mayor after second-preference vote

Bev Craig of the Labour Party has been elected mayor of Greater Manchester, succeeding Andy Burnham after winning a by-election triggered by his move to national politics.

Craig secured victory after second-preference votes were counted, defeating Sian Astley of Reform UK by 309,525 votes to 157,178. No candidate achieved an outright majority in the first round, where Craig led with 47% of the vote compared with Astley’s 21%, prompting the redistribution of second-preference ballots.

The mayoral contest followed Burnham’s election in June as MP for Makerfield, a development that paved the way for him to become prime minister in July.

Craig, who has led Manchester City Council since 2021 and served as Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s deputy mayor for economy, business and inclusive growth, said she would “set myself a simple task... That every single decision I take, as your Mayor of Greater Manchester, will pass the test of making your life better.”

Addressing supporters, she added: “The special 'thank you' has to go to the residents of Greater Manchester.” She continued: “I'm honoured, I'm humbled and I stand ready to serve the three million people that live across this fantastic city region. I will serve every single one of them, every single day.”

Reflecting on the region’s legacy, Craig said it had “changed the world” and would do so again, adding: “I will defend this city region with every bone in my body and I will fight for a better life for all of us.”

Turnout in the election was just under 25%, with more than two million people eligible to vote across Greater Manchester’s 10 boroughs. Craig topped the poll in all 10 local authority areas in the first round. Astley placed second in eight, while Geraldine Coggins came second in Manchester and Phil Eckersley ranked second in Trafford.

Craig acknowledged economic pressures facing residents, saying: “For too many people across our region, life is simply too hard.” She added: “Everyone deserves a quality home in a good neighbourhood,” and called for unity, stating: “We have to move away from divisive politics, and we'll do it together.”

Congratulating Craig, Lucy Powell, Labour’s deputy leader and MP for Manchester Central, said: “Huge congratulations to @bevcraig our fantastic new Mayor of Greater Manchester. Thank you to our tireless activists who have worked so hard to help deliver this win.”

By Tamilla Hasanova