When is the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election?

The by-election to replace Andy Burnham as Greater Manchester Mayor will take place on 30 July.

Who is the Green Party candidate for Greater Manchester Mayor?

Geraldine Coggins, an academic and Trafford councillor for Altrincham West, has been selected as the Green Party candidate.

Why is Andy Burnham stepping down as Mayor?

Andy Burnham is vacating the mayoral office after winning the Makerfield by-election, marking his return to Westminster as a Member of Parliament.

Politics

Green Party says mayoral by-election is 'straight race with Reform' as Labour selects candidate this week

Trafford councillor Geraldine Coggins has been named the Green Party's candidate, claiming the contest is a repeat of Gorton and Denton. Labour insists it is a two-horse race and says the Greens "cannot win the mayoralty."

James Whitfield

21 June 20262 min read

Green Party Selects Geraldine Coggins for Greater Manchester Mayoral By-Election — PA Media

The Green Party has named Trafford councillor Geraldine Coggins as its candidate for the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election on July 30, framing the contest as a "straight race" between the Greens and Reform UK.

Coggins, who has represented Altrincham West on Trafford council for eight years, was announced at a rally alongside Green Party leader Zack Polanski.

"Like Gorton and Denton, this is an election that we can win," she said. "Like Gorton and Denton, this is going to be a straight race between the Green Party with our message of joy and hope and the toxic divisive politics of Reform."

She added: "As your Green mayor, I will prioritise people and planet over profits. I will push back on a broken housing system that is designed to maximise profits instead of giving people the homes they need. I will go further and faster to get us the world-class transport system that we deserve here, one that works for all our boroughs, not just for the centre."

What has Labour said?

Labour has firmly disputed the Green Party's claim, insisting the contest is a two-horse race between Labour and Reform.

Andrew Western, Labour MP for Stretford and Urmston, wrote on Facebook: "The Greens cannot win the mayoralty. Their candidate finished fifth at the last mayoral election, and recent local election results across Greater Manchester placed them behind both Labour and Reform. Under the supplementary vote system, their support is nowhere near enough to secure victory."

Who will be Labour's candidate?

Applications for the Labour candidacy close at 5pm on Sunday, with long and short lists drawn up by the NEC and regional executive. Voting opens on Tuesday and closes on Friday (June 26).

Manchester council leader Bev Craig is currently considered the favourite for the nomination. Salford mayor Paul Dennett is understood not to be putting himself forward.

The MEN understands that allies close to Burnham fear Labour could lose the mayoralty if Sir Keir Starmer does not set out a timeline for his departure before the by-election takes place.

Who else is standing?

Polanski described the contest as "hope versus hate" against Reform. Former Reform MP Rupert Lowe said his Restore party would also stand a candidate, with the name to be announced next week.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election?: The by-election to replace Andy Burnham as Greater Manchester Mayor will take place on 30 July.
Who is the Green Party candidate for Greater Manchester Mayor?: Geraldine Coggins, an academic and Trafford councillor for Altrincham West, has been selected as the Green Party candidate.
Why is Andy Burnham stepping down as Mayor?: Andy Burnham is vacating the mayoral office after winning the Makerfield by-election, marking his return to Westminster as a Member of Parliament.