Labour’s Bev Craig has been elected as the new Mayor of Greater Manchester after defeating Reform UK’s Sian Astley in a closely watched by-election that required second-preference votes to determine the winner.
Craig secured victory after no candidate achieved the outright majority needed in the first round, ultimately finishing with 309,525 votes compared with Astley’s 157,178 once second-preference ballots were counted.
Leadership Change Follows Andy Burnham’s Move to Westminster
The mayoral contest was triggered after former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham stepped down following his election as MP for Makerfield in June. Burnham later became the UK’s prime minister, creating a vacancy in one of England’s most influential regional leadership positions.
Craig enters the role with significant experience in local government, having served as leader of Manchester City Council since 2021 and as deputy mayor for economy, business and inclusive growth within the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
First-Round Lead Strengthened by Preference Votes
In the initial round of voting, Craig received 47% of first-preference votes, comfortably ahead of Astley, who secured 21%. Because neither candidate crossed the 50% threshold, ballots cast for eliminated candidates were re-examined to determine voters’ second preferences.
Those additional votes further widened Craig’s advantage, confirming her election as mayor.
Election results also showed Craig topped the first-round poll in all 10 boroughs that make up Greater Manchester.
Astley placed second in eight boroughs, while Green Party candidate Geraldine Coggins finished second in Manchester and Conservative candidate Phil Eckersley came second in Trafford.
New Mayor Promises to Improve Daily Life
In her victory speech, Craig pledged to make improving residents’ lives the guiding principle of every decision she makes as mayor.
She described Greater Manchester as a region with a proud history of driving social change and said she would work to ensure it continued to shape the future. Craig also vowed to represent all three million residents across the city region, regardless of how they voted.
Thanking both her supporters and those who backed her through second-preference votes, she said she was honored by the trust placed in her and ready to serve the region.
Focus on Housing, Opportunity and Unity
Craig acknowledged the economic pressures facing many households, saying too many people no longer believe that hard work alone guarantees a better future.
She emphasized the need for quality housing, stronger neighborhoods, and greater opportunities for families to plan confidently for the years ahead.
She also called for a move away from divisive politics, arguing that Greater Manchester’s future should be built through cooperation rather than political division.
Low Turnout Marks the By-Election
More than two million people across Greater Manchester’s 10 boroughs were eligible to vote in the by-election, but turnout was just under 25%.
Following the declaration, Labour Deputy Leader and Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell congratulated Craig, praising her victory and thanking party activists for their efforts during the campaign.
