Bev Craig has been elected Mayor of Greater Manchester after a by-election triggered by Andy Burnham's move to Parliament. Craig led on 46.5% in the first round and, after second-preference transfers, defeated Reform UK's Sian Astley by 309,525 votes to 157,178. Turnout was just under 25% of more than two million eligible voters across the region. Craig, who has led Manchester City Council since 2021 and serves as deputy mayor for economy and growth, pledged to defend the city region and focus on housing and unity.
Bev Craig Wins Greater Manchester Mayoral By-Election After Second-Preference Count
Bev Craig said she felt humbled to be elected as Greater Manchester's Mayor [PA Media]
Bev Craig of the Labour Party has been elected Mayor of Greater Manchester after prevailing in a by-election decided by second-preference votes. Craig defeated Reform UK candidate Sian Astley by 309,525 votes to 157,178 after transfers were applied, extending her lead over the course of the count.
Background
The by-election was called after Andy Burnham was elected as MP for Makerfield in June, a result that the article says cleared the path for him to become Prime Minister earlier this month. Craig has led Manchester City Council since 2021 and also serves as deputy mayor of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority with responsibility for economy, business and inclusive growth.
How The Result Was Reached
In the first round of counting Craig won 46.5% of first-preference votes, while Astley took 22.2%. Under the supplementary-vote style process used, ballot papers for voters whose first choice was neither of the top two candidates were checked for a valid second preference. Those second-preference votes that favoured either Craig or Astley were then redistributed and added to the top-two totals, boosting Craig's margin.
How the first-preference votes were allocated [BBC]
More than two million people across Greater Manchester's 10 boroughs were eligible to vote, but turnout was just under 25%.
What Craig Said
"I will defend this city region with every bone in my body and I will fight for a better life for all of us," Craig said, thanking those who voted for her and those who "loaned their votes" via second preferences. "I'm honoured, I'm humbled and I stand ready to serve."
Craig, described in the coverage as the UK’s first female metro mayor, invoked the region's progressive history, noting the city region that gave the world the Suffragettes had "changed the world" and could do so again.
Reaction And Priorities
Labour's deputy leader Lucy Powell congratulated Craig on X, thanking party activists for their efforts. Craig highlighted housing and community stability among her priorities, saying: "Everyone deserves a quality home in a good neighbourhood," and called for moving away from divisive politics.
Craig's election hands Labour continued control of the mayoralty in a major English city region and positions her to shape Greater Manchester's economic and social agenda in the coming years.
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