Greater Manchester mayor says Burnham's new powers will change lives
Bev Craig has been elected as the new mayor of Greater Manchester, succeeding Andy Burnham. She aims to leverage new devolved powers from the central government to improve regional growth and public services.
Why it matters
This transition highlights the ongoing UK political trend of regional devolution and the shifting power dynamics between Whitehall and local authorities.
Figure caption, The by-election was called after Andy Burnham was elected as MP for Makerfield in Greater Manchester in June
Greater Manchester's new mayor Bev Craig has said Prime Minister Andy Burnham's move to give the regions more power could "change our lives".
The Labour candidate claimed victory in Thursday's by-election after securing 309,525 votes over Reform's Sian Astley, who won 157,178.
The 41-year-old will succeed Burnham as mayor, after he stood down to run in the Makerfield by-election in June. The pair appeared together at a Labour rally in Manchester after Craig's election win.
Craig said: "For a prime minister two weeks in, to start giving powers out of Whitehall and putting it in the places that can make a difference - that can change our lives."
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in