Bev Craig has been officially elected as the new mayor of Greater Manchester, succeeding Andy Burnham in the role. The by-election was held following the departure of Burnham, who was elected as the MP for Makerfield in June, a move that subsequently led to his appointment as prime minister last month.
Craig, who has served as the leader of Manchester City Council since 2021, also brings experience from her role as the deputy mayor for economy, business and inclusive growth for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
The electoral process required a second round of counting after no candidate secured an outright majority in the first round. In that initial stage, Craig led the field with 47% of the vote, while Reform UK candidate Sian Astley followed with 21%.
Following the addition of second-preference votes from ballots that did not select either of the top two as a first choice, Craig secured a decisive victory with 309,525 votes compared to Astley's 157,178.
Although more than two million people across the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester were eligible to participate, the final turnout was recorded at just under 25%.
Regional analysis of the results indicated that Craig finished first in all 10 local authority areas that comprise Greater Manchester. Astley secured second place in eight of those areas, while the Green candidate Geraldine Coggins placed second in Manchester and the Conservative candidate Phil Eckersley finished second in Trafford.
Following the announcement, Labour's deputy leader and MP for Manchester Central, Lucy Powell, shared her congratulations on X, thanking the activists who worked to deliver the win.
In her victory speech, Craig expressed that she felt humbled and ready to serve the three million people living across the city region. She stated that she would set herself a simple task, ensuring that every decision she takes as mayor passes the test of making residents' lives better.
Addressing the current climate, she noted that for too many people, life is currently too hard, and the generational belief that working hard leads to a better life for oneself and the community is fading.
She emphasized that everyone deserves a quality home in a good neighbourhood and that the region must move away from divisive politics to work together.
Craig also highlighted the historical significance of the region, noting that it gave the world the Suffragettes and has changed the world before. She pledged to defend the city region with every bone in her body and fight for a better life for all.
Thanking those who voted for her, as well as those who provided second-preference votes, she offered a special thank you to the residents of Greater Manchester, affirming that she stands ready to serve them every single day.
