Bev Craig Wins Greater Manchester Mayoral By-Election as Labour Retains Stronghold
Bev Crai was declared Mayor of Greater Manchester after a closely watched by-election. She holds the seat for Labour. The results came after a 15-hour marathon count in the UK’s largest-ever by-election by the number of voters. This was also the first true test for Andy Burnham since his move to Westminster.
Here is a complete breakdown of the results, the reasons for the by-election, and the implications going forward.
Final Result: Bev Craig Wins
After the first and second preferences were counted by both parties, Bev Craig won with 309 525 votes. Reform UK’s Sian Aston received 157 178 votes. The results confirm that Labour has retained control over one of England’s largest city-region mayorates.
Why this By-Election Occurred
The vacancy occurred when Andy Burnham, after winning the Makerfield By-election and becoming an MP, went on to become Prime Minister. Burnham won the 2017 mayoral elections in all 10 Greater Manchester boroughs. He also won the 2021 and 2024 mayoral races. His departure was a significant moment in the political landscape of the region. This contest is the first chance for voters to voice their opinions since his rise to national office.
How the vote was decided
The system of supplementary votes was reinstated in this by-election. It had been scrapped by the Conservative Government in 2022, but reinstated for the contest. The system allows voters to rank their first and second choice candidates. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the first-preference vote, the other two candidates will be eliminated.
The second round was triggered when neither Craig nor Astley had reached 50% in the first round. At that point, five candidates were eliminated: Geraldine Coggins of the Green Party, Phil Eckersley of the Conservatives, Marcus Farmer, the independent candidate, Richard Kilpatrick from the Liberal Democrats, and Marlon West, who represents Restore Britain.
Turnout at a Record Low
The turnout was only 25 despite being the largest UK by-election by eligible voters count. With more than 2 million people eligible to vote, the turnout was significantly lower than the turnout of 32% in the election in May 2024. This is the lowest turnout of Greater Manchester’s mayoralty in its history since 2017.
What the Mayor of Greater Manchester Does
This role includes a broad range of responsibilities in the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester – Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan. It also covers budget decisions, housing, policing and transport. This position includes the Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester Police.
Who is Bev Craig, and what does she do?
Bev Craig was elected to the Burnage Ward in 2011 and served as the leader of the Manchester City Council until December 2021. Craig, originally from Belfast, moved to Manchester in the year 2003. She became the first openly LGBT woman and female leader of Manchester City Council. She has previously spoken about her experiences growing up in Northern Ireland’s social housing and how it influenced her views on public service. In the New Year Honours List of 2026, she was also awarded an OBE for her work in local government.
What this result means politically
Some commentators have described the win as part of the “Burnham Bounce” for Labour. The party has seen renewed strength in the national voting intention surveys following Burnham’s rise to premiership. Reform UK’s strong finish in the regional race marks the continuation of its push to become a serious political force in northern England.
FAQs
Who has won the Greater Manchester by-election for mayor?
Bev Craig, of Labour, won the election, beating Sian Astley, of Reform UK, 309 525 votes to 157 178, after a second count.
Why did Greater Manchester hold a by-election for mayor?
The incident was caused by Andy Burnham’s resignation as mayor after he was elected an MP and subsequent appointment tothe Prime Minister.
Which voting system was used in the election?
For the first time, voters were able to rank their first- and second-choice candidates. The system was reinstated in 2022 after being previously scrapped.
How many people voted in this by-election
The turnout was the lowest ever in Greater Manchester’s history.
Who is Bev Craig?
She was elected to the Manchester City Council in 2011 and served as its leader from 2021.
How many votes did it take to count?
The final results were declared after approximately 15 hours of counting.
Final Thoughts
Bev Craig’s victory keeps Greater Manchester in Labour’s hands, despite a record-low voter turnout. Reform UK also had a strong showing. This indicates a changing political mood throughout the region. USA Times Square will continue to cover the reaction to this result.
