POLITICS: Bev Craig Elected as Greater Manchester Mayor

Bev Craig has been elected as the new Mayor of Greater Manchester, succeeding Andy Burnham after he stepped down to become Prime Minister. Craig secured a decisive victory in the mayoral by-election, defeating Reform UK's Sian Astley after second-preference votes were counted.

Election Result

• Bev Craig (Labour): 309,525 votes (after second preferences)
• Sian Astley (Reform UK): 157,178 votes

Turnout was 25.1%, the lowest since the Greater Manchester mayoralty was created.

Who is Bev Craig?

Former Leader of Manchester City Council since 2021.

Born in Belfast before moving to Manchester to study at university.

Previously served as Andy Burnham's deputy on economic growth and business matters.

She becomes one of the most influential regional politicians in England following her election.

What she said after winning

In her victory speech, Craig said: "I am honoured, I am humbled, and I stand ready to serve the three million people who live across this fantastic city region."

She also pledged to:

Work for everyone, regardless of how they voted.

Continue investing in transport.

Introduce free bus travel for 11–18-year-olds.

Focus on improving the cost of living and opportunities across Greater Manchester.

Why this matters

The election was closely watched because it was the first major electoral test since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister. Labour comfortably retained the mayoralty, which analysts say provides an important boost for the party despite a low turnout.