Labour holds Greater Manchester after historic mayoral vote

Labour has tightened its grip on Greater Manchester after Bev Craig won the biggest mayoral by-election in British history, replacing Andy Burnham following his move to Westminster. The victory came after a second-round count, but the result also exposed a stubborn challenge for Labour as turnout slumped below 25% despite more than two million people being eligible to vote.

Second-Round Count Seals Comfortable Victory

Craig secured 47.15% of first-round votes, narrowly missing the 50% threshold needed for an outright win under the Supplementary Vote system. Reform UK candidate Sian Astley finished second on 20.99%, triggering a second-round count.

When second preferences were allocated, Labour gained 58,076 additional votes compared with Reform UK's 45,250. The final tally left Craig with 309,525 votes against Astley's 157,178, delivering Labour a decisive victory.

A New Mayor Takes Charge

Speaking after the declaration at Manchester's Co-op Arena Live, Craig described the trust placed in her as both an honour and a responsibility. She pledged to serve all three million residents across Greater Manchester and vowed to ensure every decision she takes as mayor is focused on improving people's lives.

Reflecting on her upbringing on a council estate, Craig said she never imagined she would one day lead the city region she calls home. She argued that too many families feel the promise of hard work leading to a better future has weakened and said politics must respond to that growing frustration.

Labour Protects a Key Stronghold

The contest was triggered after Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election in June before rapidly becoming Prime Minister. Labour had previously blocked Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election, partly to avoid risking its hold over Greater Manchester's mayoralty.

Craig's victory comes after a turbulent set of local elections in which Labour suffered setbacks across parts of the region, including losing its long-held majority in Tameside after 47 years. Despite those losses, the mayoral result reaffirmed Labour's dominance, with Craig topping the first-round poll in all 10 Greater Manchester local authority areas.

Reform Emerges as Main Challenger

While Labour retained control comfortably, Reform UK established itself as the principal challenger across much of the region. Astley finished second in eight of Greater Manchester's 10 boroughs, while the Greens claimed second place in Manchester and the Conservatives finished runners-up only in Trafford.

The result leaves Labour firmly in charge of one of England's most influential devolved regions, but the low turnout and Reform's growing vote underline the political pressures that will shape Craig's first term in office.

Manchester mayoral election results in full as Labour sweep to victory