Andy Burnham’s “protégé” won out, beating Reform UK’s candidate in the second round.
Labour Party candidate Bev Craig has been elected as the new Mayor of Manchester (Image: Annabel Lee-Ellis/PA Wire)
Andy Burnham’s replacement as the Mayor of Greater Manchester has been announced. Labour’s Beth Craig was voted in by a two thirds majority, beating Reform UK’s candidate, Sian Astley, by 152,347 votes in the second round. Ms Craig is also the leader of Manchester City Council. She said in her victory speech that locals have to feel growth in their pocket, “with good jobs, in every corner of our city region, and you’ve got to see it in your high streets, when you walk out the front door”.
She added: “Restoring pride into our high streets and town centres. But it can’t just be about building the basic fundamentals of a good life. It’s about creating a good life. It’s letting people make decisions with optimism and hope for future. Things like spending time with friends and family and putting money in your pocket to plan for a holiday, to plan for your trips, and to build a good life for your kids.
“And that’s what we can do here in Great Manchester… I will be a Mayor for everyone. We have to move away from divisive politics, that tries to pit neighbour against neighbour, and we will work together.”
Ms Craig is expected to continue Mr Burnham’s policies, such as extending free bus passes, while asserting her own leadership distinct from her predecessor, such as intending to demand greater devolved powers from the Prime Minister, focusing on areas like skills, housing and tackling high streets that have encountered tough times.
She was the favourite to win.
Mr Burnham posted on X on July 31 before Ms Craig was declared the winner: “I promised to take power out of Westminster. I meant it.
“For the first time ever, we’re giving Mayors a share of income tax so communities have more control over jobs, transport, housing and public services in their area.
“I know what it’s like to be ignored by politicians in Westminster. I won’t make that same mistake as Prime Minister.”
On polling day, Ms Astley urged voters to go and cast their ballot, writing on X: “If you’re considering it, then ask yourself just one question. Have you really seen your life improve under Labour? How does your high street look?
“Have you actually seen the investment that Labour claim they’ve made across the region? If you’re living in one of GM’s outer boroughs, chances are you’ve seen next to nothing.”
She added: “I’m here because Greater Manchester deserves a Mayor who can deliver for the whole of the county. We need someone with experience building things.
“We need someone who knows that success is built on strong foundations rather than empty promises. That’s why I’ll tackle the issues that Labour have relentlessly ignored.
“I’ll open the files on the grooming gangs. I’ll deliver housing that works for local people first. I’ll build the toughest police force in Britain and triple stop and search. I’ll stop the development of new migrant HMOs that plague our towns.
“I’ll build sensibly and protect our green belt from crazy new developments. I’ll invest in towns and high streets across GM. I’ll stop the war on motorists and end the GMCA’s net zero obsession.”