Key facts
- Voters in Greater Manchester are choosing a successor to Andy Burnham, who recently became UK Prime Minister.
- Burnham held the mayoralty for nine years before resigning to enter national politics.
- Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, is Labour's candidate and Burnham's protégé.
- Reform UK's candidate Sian Astley is campaigning on transparency and re-investigating exploitation cases.
- The election uses the supplementary vote system, where voters rank candidates.
- Recent polling indicates Labour's Bev Craig is leading the race.
Voters across Greater Manchester are heading to the polls to elect a successor to Andy Burnham, who recently transitioned from his mayoral role to become the UK Prime Minister. The election, triggered by Burnham's departure after nine years in office, is seen as a key test of his legacy and his vision for devolution.
Labour's candidate, Bev Craig, the current leader of Manchester City Council and considered Burnham's protégé, aims to continue and expand his policies, including affordable housing initiatives, free bus passes, and further devolution of powers from London. Craig has stated her commitment to prioritizing Greater Manchester's interests, even if it means challenging the new prime minister.
Reform UK's candidate, Sian Astley, is campaigning on a platform of transparency and re-investigating sensitive issues like sexual exploitation by grooming gangs. She also seeks greater scrutiny of past decisions on housing and clean air zones, arguing that the region has been under Labour's control for too long.
The Green Party's pick, Geraldine Coggins, advocates for more devolution, including the power for mayors to impose rent caps, and proposes free bus travel for those under 22. She positions herself as a check against government power, distinct from what she terms a "Labour apologist."
The election is being decided using the supplementary vote system, where voters select a first and second preference. If no candidate secures over 50 percent of first-preference votes, the second preferences of eliminated candidates are redistributed to determine the winner. Recent polling suggests that Craig holds a significant lead over Astley in the first round, though the contest is expected to go to a second round.