Bev Craig emerged victorious as the new mayor of Greater Manchester following a decisive win in the region’s largest-ever by-election. The 41-year-old leader of Manchester City Council and a prominent figure in the Labour Party secured the win in a runoff against Reform’s Sian Astley due to no candidate obtaining over 50% of the vote.
The voter turnout for the election was slightly above 25%, lower than the previous mayoral contest in the area. More than 500,000 votes were cast out of a potential two million eligible voters. After factoring in second preferences, Ms. Craig garnered 309,525 votes.
The by-election was triggered by Andy Burnham’s resignation from the mayoral position following his success in the Makerfield parliamentary election, paving the way for his aspirations for Downing Street.
Despite early hopes from Reform for a political upset in Labour’s stronghold, Ms. Craig’s victory, despite being friends with the new Prime Minister, was anticipated due to Nigel Farage’s engagement in a separate by-election and a notable increase in support for Burnham in national polls.
Originally from a council estate near Belfast, Ms. Craig relocated to Manchester at 18 and began her political career as a Burnage councillor in 2011. Ten years later, she became the first female and LGBT+ leader of Manchester City Council, succeeding Sir Richard Leese.
In an interview with The Mirror, Ms. Craig highlighted her positive rapport with the new Prime Minister, emphasizing her commitment to advocating for Greater Manchester’s needs. She emphasized her independence from Andy Burnham, stating that she stands as her own person with unique ideas, accountable solely to the region.
Andy Burnham was spotted casting his vote at a polling station in Golborne, near Wigan, shortly before polls closed.
Following the first and second preference votes:
**After First preference vote:**
**After second preference vote:**