Labour’s Bev Craig Elected Greater Manchester Mayor, Another Political Chair Gets a New Tenant

Labour’s Bev Craig has been elected as the new mayor of Greater Manchester, succeeding Andy Burnham following a closely watched mayoral by-election Craig secured victory after no candidate received more than half of the vote in the first round. After second-preference votes were added, she defeated Reform UK’s Sian Astley by 309,525 votes to 157,178. The by-election was triggered after Burnham was elected as the MP for Makerfield in Greater Manchester in June. His move to Parliament created the vacancy for the Greater Manchester mayoral position. Craig enters the role with significant experience in local government. She has led Manchester City Council since 2021 and previously served as Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s deputy mayor for economy, business and inclusive growth. Her background in economic development and local government is expected to influence her priorities as she takes charge of the city region. Following her victory, Craig said she would set herself a simple task ensuring that every decision she makes as mayor would be judged on whether it makes residents lives better. Craig also highlighted Greater Manchester’s historic contribution to social and political change. She said the city region that had given the world the Suffragettes had changed the world and would do so again in the future. She promised to defend Greater Manchesters interests and work towards improving the quality of life of people across the region. The result marks the beginning of a new political chapter for Greater Manchester after Burnham’s tenure as mayor. Craig will now be responsible for leading the city region on issues including economic growth, business, transport and wider regional development. The contest also provided a notable electoral battle between Labour and Reform UK, with Craig ultimately securing the mayoralty after second-preference votes were counted. As she begins her tenure, attention will turn to how Craig translates her campaign commitments into policies and whether her administration can deliver on her pledge to put improvements to residents’ lives at the centre of decision-making.