Bev Craig elected Greater Manchester mayor in by-election; she pledged to freeze Metrolink and Bee Network bus fares and extend free bus travel to 11-18-year-olds

Bev Craig has been elected as the new mayor of Greater Manchester, succeeding Andy Burnham after winning a by-election with 309,525 votes. The Labour candidate's campaign focused on key pledges to freeze Metrolink and Bee Network bus fares and extend free bus travel to 11-18-year-olds, enhancing accessibility for young residents.¹²³

Craig, who has a background in local government and was the first female leader of Manchester City Council, aims to deliver 50,000 new homes over the next 15 years, including council properties and genuinely affordable housing. She stated, "I will work every day for us to make sure everyone shares in the success Greater Manchester is building."⁷⁸

In her tenure as council leader, Craig oversaw sustained annual economic growth in Manchester of more than 3%, making it one of the fastest-growing city economies in Europe. However, she has faced criticism regarding the lack of affordable housing amidst urban development. Despite this, her administration has built social housing for the first time in 40 years.

Craig's commitment to revitalizing local economies includes a new £20m high street scheme to support small businesses and invest in town-centre regeneration. She aims to ensure that the benefits of growth are felt across all communities in Greater Manchester.

As she embarks on this new role, Craig's leadership will be pivotal in addressing ongoing challenges, including crime and anti-social behavior in key areas like Piccadilly Gardens, while striving to enhance the quality of life for all residents.