Bev Craig (Labour) was elected Mayor of Greater Manchester on May 2, 2024, succeeding Andy Burnham [1].
The result maintains Labour's control over the region following a high-profile vacancy. The by-election was triggered after Andy Burnham stood down to become Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Leigh [1, 2].
Craig secured the victory with 309,525 votes [3]. Sian Astley, the candidate for Reform UK, finished as the runner-up. The final round of counting took place at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester, covering the region's 10 boroughs [4, 1].
Despite the victory, the election was marked by a significant lack of public participation. Officials said turnout was the lowest ever recorded for a Greater Manchester mayoral election [5]. More than 2,000,000 people were eligible to vote across the 10 boroughs [6].
The transition comes as the region adjusts to the departure of Burnham from local government to national leadership. The victory for Craig ensures continuity of the Labour party's policy agenda in one of the UK's most influential metropolitan areas.
“Bev Craig (Labour) was elected Mayor of Greater Manchester”
The election of Bev Craig preserves Labour's regional dominance, but the record-low voter turnout suggests a growing disconnect between the electorate and local governance. While the party successfully managed the transition from Andy Burnham to a new mayor, the lack of engagement may challenge the new administration's mandate as it implements regional policies.
