Ministers fast-track new voting system ahead of possible Greater Manchester mayoral election

Ministers are speeding up the switch to a new voting system to ensure it is in place if Andy Burnham's potential move to Parliament triggers a Greater Manchester mayoral election later this year.

If Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election on June 18, he will have to resign as mayor, immediately triggering a new election for the role.

The government wants to have the Supplementary Vote system ready by June 19, the day after the by-election is due to take place.

What is the Supplementary Vote?

Under this system, voters get to choose a first and second preference. If no candidate wins more than 50% after first preference votes are counted, the top two go into a run-off, with second preference votes from the eliminated candidates taken into account.

This was the system used for mayors and police and crime commissioners until 2022, when the Conservative government switched to First Past the Post, arguing it was a "fair and simple" system with "clearer accountability."

After winning the 2024 general election, Labour passed a law reintroducing the Supplementary Vote, but the change had been expected to come into effect after May 2026 in time for the next scheduled elections in May 2027.

Why is it being fast-tracked?

Local Government Minister Samantha Dixon said in a written statement: "The government is conscious that there is now a possible scenario in which a mayoral election may need to be held in Greater Manchester in the coming months, subject to the outcome of the parliamentary by-election in the Makerfield constituency."

She said the Supplementary Vote was "suitable for the election of single executive office holders, such as mayors" and "ensures a broader level of support for the person elected."

The government said it would "work with the Electoral Commission and local authorities to support implementation of this change."

What is the wider picture on voting reform?

First Past the Post continues to be used for UK general elections and English council elections. Reform UK, the Lib Dems, the Green Party, the SNP and Plaid Cymru have all expressed support for a more proportional system.

Earlier this month, more than 60 Labour MPs called for a rethink of FPTP, arguing the existing system is "broken."

Sir Keir Starmer supported electoral reform during his 2020 leadership bid but has since dropped the pledge and did not include it in Labour's 2024 manifesto.