Polling stations across Greater Manchester opened at 07:00 BST on Thursday as voters began deciding who will replace Andy Burnham as mayor of the city region and chair of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).
Why there is a by‑election
The contest was triggered when Andy Burnham stepped down after his success in last month’s Makerfield parliamentary by‑election. As MPs are not permitted to serve concurrently as mayor, Burnham vacated the city‑region post following his election to Parliament — an event the source reports as paving the way for him to become prime minister earlier this month.
Who is standing
Seven candidates are on the ballot across Greater Manchester. Voters will see their names and party labels when they attend polling stations:
- Sian Astley — Reform UK
- Geraldine Coggins — Green Party
- Bev Craig — Labour
- Phil Eckersley — Conservative
- Marcus Farmer — Independent
- Richard Kilpatrick — Liberal Democrats
- Marlon West — Restore Britain
How to vote and what to expect
Polling stations opened at 07:00 and will remain open until 22:00. The election will be decided using the supplementary vote system: electors may mark a first and a second preference. Voters are not obliged to name a second choice.
"Voters do not need to take their cards to the polling station but it may speed up the process if they do."
Councils sent polling cards to registered electors detailing the address of their nearest polling station. On arrival electors must give their name and address and also present an accepted form of voter ID — for example a passport or driving licence — which will be checked by staff before a ballot paper is issued. Ballot papers are printed in English.
| Polling opens | Polling closes | Result expected |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00 BST | 22:00 BST | Friday |
For Manchester residents this by‑election will determine who chairs the GMCA and who sets priorities on transport, housing, economic development and public services across the city region. Turnout and the distribution of second preferences under the supplementary vote system will be decisive in what is expected to be a closely watched contest.
Local authorities' websites and polling cards carry details of where to vote and which forms of identification are accepted. Counting arrangements mean that while voting finishes on Thursday evening, the declaration of the new mayor is scheduled for the following day.
