Bev Craig has officially become the new Mayor of Greater Manchester after securing a convincing victory in the region’s mayoral by-election, promising to use new powers expected to be handed to local leaders to improve everyday life across the city region.
The Labour candidate received 309,525 votes, comfortably defeating Reform UK’s Sian Astley, who secured 157,178 votes.
Craig succeeds Andy Burnham, who stepped down as mayor after leaving the role to contest the Makerfield parliamentary by-election earlier this year.
Speaking alongside Burnham at a Labour celebration event in Manchester, Craig said she believes the government’s plans to hand greater authority to England’s regions could transform local communities.
Greater Powers for Regions at the Heart of Her Plans
Craig praised Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s commitment to expanding devolution, describing the decision to move powers away from Whitehall as a significant opportunity for local government.
She said transferring decision-making closer to communities would allow regional leaders to respond more effectively to local challenges and improve public services.
Craig pledged to embrace the additional responsibilities offered to mayors and use them to strengthen Greater Manchester’s economy and quality of life.
According to the new mayor, local leadership should play a bigger role in shaping transport, housing, and economic growth rather than relying on decisions made in Westminster.
Prime Minister Outlines Ambitious Devolution Agenda
The prime minister has proposed giving England’s metro mayors a share of income tax revenues for the first time, describing the move as a major step in decentralising power.
His government argues that allowing regions to retain more locally generated revenue will help cities invest in housing, transport and other public services tailored to their own needs.
However, opposition parties have questioned the proposals, arguing that the funding model remains unclear and warning that economically weaker areas could receive less support if the system is not carefully designed.
Burnham Urges His Successor to Aim Higher
Burnham offered a glowing endorsement of his successor, encouraging Craig to build on the achievements made during his time as mayor.
Calling her the “queen of the north,” he said she was well placed to lead Greater Manchester into what he described as its strongest decade yet.
He also urged her to continue pushing for greater autonomy and to take full advantage of the powers being offered to regional leaders.
The prime minister also described “Manchesterism” as a model centred on devolution, arguing that decisions about issues such as affordable housing, transport and local development should increasingly be made by those closest to the communities affected.
Low Turnout Marks Mayoral Contest
Although more than two million residents across Greater Manchester’s ten boroughs were eligible to vote, turnout remained below 25%, highlighting continued concerns about public engagement in local elections.
Following the result, Reform UK’s Sian Astley thanked campaign volunteers and supporters, saying she was proud of the effort made throughout the campaign.
She added that her party would closely monitor whether Labour delivers on the promises made to voters during the election.
From Belfast to Greater Manchester Leadership
Craig’s journey to becoming mayor began in Belfast, where she grew up on a council estate before relocating to Manchester in 2003.
She moved to the city to study politics and modern history at the University of Manchester and has since built her political career within the region, eventually becoming Labour’s choice to succeed Burnham.
After securing the party’s nomination, she said she wanted to lead Greater Manchester into its next phase of development while ensuring opportunities were available to residents from every background.
Transport, Housing and High Streets Among Key Priorities
Craig campaigned on a series of pledges aimed at easing the cost of living and supporting long-term economic growth.
Among her flagship commitments are freezing fares on the Bee Network’s buses and Metrolink trams, while extending free bus travel to young people aged 11 to 18.
At present, the free travel scheme only covers those aged between 16 and 18.
Housing is another central priority. Craig has promised to oversee the delivery of 50,000 new homes over the next 15 years, including council housing and genuinely affordable properties.
She has also committed £20 million towards revitalising high streets, with funding intended to support small businesses, bring vacant shops back into use and encourage regeneration projects across town centres.
Focus on Opportunity Across Greater Manchester
Looking ahead, Craig said she wants Greater Manchester to continue growing while ensuring the benefits are shared more widely.
She said one of her ambitions is to create an environment where every child in the region feels they have the opportunity to succeed, while maintaining the pace of economic development already achieved and pushing the city region even further in the years ahead.
