- Bev Craig comfortably won the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election, securing 309,525 votes against Reform UK's Sian Astley, who received 157,178 votes.
- The by-election was conducted under the supplementary vote system, leading to a second round after neither candidate achieved 50% in the first round.
- Labour topped the poll in all 10 boroughs, marking a significant recovery in a city-region where the party had struggled in previous elections.
- Craig stated that the Prime Minister's new devolution powers could 'change our lives' and reaffirmed her commitment to free bus travel for 11-18 year olds.
- The by-election was triggered by Andy Burnham's resignation as part of his plan to become Prime Minister.
- Turnout for the election was just under 25%, the lowest in the history of the Greater Manchester mayoralty.
Bev Craig's victory in the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election marks a significant moment for Labour, as she won with 47% of first preferences, despite a 25% turnout, the lowest in the region's history. Craig's win comes after Labour's recent struggles in local elections, where they had seen a 16-point drop from Andy Burnham's previous win.127
Craig stated, "For a prime minister two weeks in, to start giving powers out of Whitehall and putting it in the places that can make a difference - that can change our lives." This reflects Burnham's commitment to devolution, promising mayors a share of income tax revenue to enhance local governance.
Despite Labour's success, the results indicate a more competitive landscape, with Reform UK achieving their best performance yet, securing 21% of first preferences. Craig's win was not without challenges, as she faces a revitalized opposition, particularly from Reform, which garnered over 25% of the vote in several outer boroughs.
Craig's agenda includes a £20 million high street scheme and free bus travel for 11-18 year-olds, aiming to foster growth and accessibility. She expressed her commitment to serve all constituents, stating, "I will serve every single one of them every single day."5
The by-election was triggered by Burnham's resignation to pursue the prime ministership, and Craig's win is seen as a pivotal moment for Labour in Greater Manchester, as they seek to regain lost ground in upcoming local elections.
“Craig took 309,525 votes to Reform UK's Sian Astley's 157,178, but Labour's first-preference share fell 16 points from Andy Burnham's 2024 win. Turnout was just over 25%, the lowest in GM's four contests, and Reform hit 30% in Burnham's home borough of Wigan.”
