Labour's Bev Craig Elected Greater Manchester Mayor

Labour Party candidate Bev Craig has been elected mayor of Greater Manchester, defeating Reform UK's Sian Astley in a runoff election on July 31, 2026. Craig's victory marks a decisive moment for Labour as it seeks to regain ground lost in recent local elections.

Why it matters: Craig's win solidifies Labour's control over Greater Manchester, a region historically dominated by the party. This election serves as a litmus test for Prime Minister Andy Burnham's leadership, following his recent ascent to the premiership.

• Craig won 66.3% of the votes in the runoff after second-preference ballots were counted, compared to Astley's 33.7%.
• The election was called after Burnham resigned from the mayoralty to become Prime Minister.
• Labour's victory is seen as a rebound after a disappointing performance in local elections just months prior.

Driving the news: The Greater Manchester mayoral by-election was triggered by Burnham's election as MP for Makerfield in June. His departure created an opportunity for Labour to re-establish its dominance in a region where it has faced challenges from Reform UK.

• Turnout for the election was approximately 25%, the lowest since the mayoralty was established in 2017.
• In the first round, Craig received 47% of first-preference votes, just shy of the 50% needed to win outright.
• Reform UK had previously made substantial gains in local elections, winning 31% of the vote in May.

State of play: Craig's election reinforces Labour's position in a region that has been a stronghold for the party for over a century. The results indicate a shift in voter sentiment, potentially signaling a resurgence for Labour under Burnham's leadership.

• Craig's victory speech emphasized unity and a commitment to serve all residents, stating, "I will defend this city region with every bone in my body."
• The election outcome is a setback for Nigel Farage's Reform UK, which has been embroiled in financial scrutiny.
• Craig is the first female metro mayor in the UK, having previously led Manchester City Council since 2021.

The big picture: Craig's win reflects broader trends within British politics, where Labour appears to be regaining ground after a turbulent period. The party's ability to reclaim the Greater Manchester mayoralty may influence its prospects in upcoming elections.

• National polls show Labour gaining momentum, attributed to Burnham's leadership transition.
• Craig's victory comes as Reform UK faces investigations into its finances, potentially undermining its credibility.
• The election shows the value of voter turnout and engagement in local governance.

What they're saying: Political analysts view Craig's win as a powerful moment for Labour, especially after its recent local election losses. Rob Ford, a professor of politics at the University of Manchester, stated, "Craig’s rebound from that low ebb is a really powerful moment for the party."

• Craig thanked her supporters and emphasized her commitment to improving the lives of all residents, stating, "Thank you to those who voted for me, and for those who didn’t, I will still be your mayor."
• Labour's deputy leader Lucy Powell congratulated Craig, highlighting the hard work of activists in securing the win.

By the numbers: The election results reveal key insights into voter preferences and party performance.

• Craig won 309,525 votes in the runoff, compared to Astley's 157,178.
• First-preference votes were split with Labour at 47%, Reform UK at 21%, and the Green Party at 12%.
• Over 2 million residents were eligible to vote, but only 25% participated, indicating potential voter apathy.

What's next: As mayor, Craig will face immediate challenges, including addressing community concerns and fostering economic growth in Greater Manchester.

• Craig's administration will need to focus on enhancing public services and rebuilding trust among constituents.
• With Burnham's recent changes in policy, including allowing mayors to keep a share of local taxes, Craig will have more resources at her disposal.
• Future elections will test whether Labour can maintain its momentum and address the issues raised by voters during the campaign.

Craig's election signifies a personal achievement for her and a strategic victory for Labour as it navigates the shifting political terrain in the UK. Her commitment to serving the people of Greater Manchester will be closely watched as she steps into this influential role.