Bev Craig, a Labour politician, was elected Mayor of Greater Manchester on July 31, 2026 [1].
The result marks a significant leadership transition for the region, which comprises 10 boroughs. This election was the largest by-election in British history [2].
Craig succeeded Andy Burnham, who stepped down from the role. During the campaign, the Labour party focused on promises to represent residents across the region, and restore pride to local high streets [3].
Because no candidate secured more than 50% of the vote during the first round, the result was determined after second-preference votes were counted [4]. Craig finished the contest with a total of 309,525 votes [4]. Her closest competitor, Sian Astley, finished with 157,178 votes [4].
Burnham said he desired for the new administration to go further and do more [5]. The transition comes as the region seeks to maintain the momentum of previous mayoral initiatives while addressing the specific needs of the diverse boroughs under the mayor's jurisdiction.
Craig's victory ensures that the Labour party maintains its hold on one of the most influential regional mayoral positions in England. The scale of the vote reflects the high level of engagement in the region's governance during this transition period [2].
“Bev Craig was elected Mayor of Greater Manchester on July 31, 2026”
The election of Bev Craig maintains political continuity in Greater Manchester by keeping the mayoralty within the Labour party. By winning a historic by-election with a substantial margin of over 150,000 votes, Craig enters office with a clear mandate to execute the party's regional agenda, specifically regarding the revitalization of high streets and borough-wide representation.
