When is the Greater Manchester mayoral election?

The election to choose Greater Manchester's next mayor will take place next week, following Andy Burnham's departure to become prime minister.

Who are the main candidates for Greater Manchester mayor?

Bev Craig, the current leader of Manchester City Council, is running for the Labour Party. She is facing competition from Reform UK candidate Sian Astley, alongside other contenders.

What powers does the Greater Manchester mayor have?

The mayor holds devolved authority over key regional issues across the ten boroughs, including public transport, housing, policing, and spatial planning.

Politics

'The Burnham effect dwarfs every other factor': Craig set to win Greater Manchester mayoral race as PM's honeymoon lifts Labour

The latest YouGov poll predicts Bev Craig will beat Reform's Sian Astley 62% to 38% in the second round. Just weeks ago, bookmakers had Reform as slight favourites. The question now is whether Burnham will give his successor more power than he ever had.

James Whitfield

26 July 20262 min read

Greater Manchester prepares to elect new mayor as Bev Craig leads polls — Getty Images

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Bev Craig is expected to comfortably win Thursday's Greater Manchester mayoral by-election after Andy Burnham's arrival in Downing Street transformed Labour's fortunes in the region.

The latest YouGov poll predicts Craig will beat Reform UK's Sian Astley by 62% to 38% in a second-round run-off. It would be the first time a Greater Manchester mayoral election has gone to a second round, with Burnham having won outright majorities in 2017, 2021 and 2024.

Yet just weeks ago, several bookmakers had made Reform the early favourite following their strong showing in May's local elections.

What changed?

Jon Tonge, professor of politics at the University of Liverpool, told The Independent: "If Starmer were still leader of the Labour Party, and Burnham were not on the ballot, this election would have been a mighty close battle and very difficult for Labour to hold on."

He added: "Once it became evident that Burnham was going to be prime minister, the spillover effects of a Burnham premiership meant Labour is back in business for now."

Tonge said: "The 'Burnham effect' just overshadows this entire contest and dwarfs every other factor. Labour is enjoying a honeymoon period, Burnham is insulated from scrutiny, and there's a triumphant Labour conference coming up in Liverpool. Until deep into autumn, it's a victory lap for Burnham, and Bev Craig will run that victory lap with him in Greater Manchester."

Who is Bev Craig?

Craig has been leader of Manchester City Council since 2021, representing the Burnage ward, where you will find the childhood home of the Gallagher brothers.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Greater Manchester mayoral election?: The election to choose Greater Manchester's next mayor will take place next week, following Andy Burnham's departure to become prime minister.
Who are the main candidates for Greater Manchester mayor?: Bev Craig, the current leader of Manchester City Council, is running for the Labour Party. She is facing competition from Reform UK candidate Sian Astley, alongside other contenders.
What powers does the Greater Manchester mayor have?: The mayor holds devolved authority over key regional issues across the ten boroughs, including public transport, housing, policing, and spatial planning.