Labour’s Bev Craig has been elected mayor of Greater Manchester after the distribution of second preferences, finishing on 309,525 votes against Reform UK candidate Sian Astley on 157,178.
How the result came about
The count, announced late on Friday more than 24 hours after polling stations closed, went to a second stage because no candidate reached the 50 per cent threshold under the Supplementary Vote (SV) system. Ms Craig secured 47.15% in the first round, while Ms Astley took 20.99%.
| Stage | Bev Craig (Labour) | Sian Astley (Reform UK) |
|---|---|---|
| First round (percentage) | 47.15% | 20.99% |
| Final total (votes) | 309,525 | 157,178 |
When the second preferences of the five eliminated candidates were allocated, Labour picked up an additional 58,076 votes, while Reform gained 45,250.
Turnout and context
More than two million people were eligible to vote in the contest, which was triggered by Andy Burnham’s election to Parliament last month. Despite the size of the electorate, turnout was low — recorded at just under 25%. The delayed declaration and modest engagement raise questions about voter appetite for mayoral contests and the clarity of the supplementary voting system among the public.
The campaign follows a period of high-profile change: Mr Burnham swiftly moved to national politics after winning the Makerfield by‑election in June and has since become Prime Minister. At the 2024 mayoral election, Mr Burnham won under a different electoral system, taking 63% under first‑past‑the‑post; the current contest used the SV method, which requires a candidate to reach 50 per cent either in the first count or after redistribution of second preferences.
Victory speech and priorities
Ms Craig delivered her victory speech in the city at the Co‑Op Arena Live, framing the result as both an honour and a responsibility to the millions who live in the city‑region. She spoke about the challenges ahead and pledged a commitment to serve all communities.
"To have trust placed in you is an honour. I’m honoured, I’m humbled and I stand ready to serve the three million people that live across this fantastic city region,"
In her remarks she reflected on personal roots in the city and the task of tackling wide‑ranging issues. She said the job will involve addressing entrenched hardship and restoring belief that hard work can deliver better lives for residents.
What this means locally
For residents across Manchester and the wider city‑region, the new mayoralty will shape transport, housing, planning and public services at a combined authority level. Observers will watch closely how Ms Craig translates campaign pledges into policy and how she manages relations with central Government, particularly given recent national shifts.
- Leadership change: A new mayor will take charge of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority agenda.
- Low mandate concerns: Sub‑25% turnout and a sub‑50% first‑round share underline questions about the mandate’s breadth.
- Next steps: The mayor will set out priorities and assemble a team to run devolved services across the city‑region.
Further details on the full breakdown of votes, turnout by borough and Ms Craig’s immediate policy plans are expected to emerge from the mayoral office and the combined authority in the coming days. City hall and local councils will now prepare for the handover and the practical work of implementing the mayor’s programme.
