Labour holds Greater Manchester mayoralty after counting goes to second round
Labour candidate Bev Craig has won the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election, succeeding Andy Burnham who recently became Prime Minister. The election was decided in a second round under the supplemental vote system.
Why it matters
The transition of power in a major UK region following the Prime Minister's resignation is a significant political development with implications for regional devolution.
Bev Craig will succeed Andy Burnham, whose departure for Westminster triggered the special election.
Copy Link Copied Share via email Share on X Share on WhatsApp Share on LinkedIn Labour's candidate for Greater Manchester Mayor, Bev Craig, launches her manifesto, at University Academy 92, on July 15, 2026 in Manchester, | Christopher Furlong/Getty Images August 1, 2026 6:09 am CET By Isabel Loubser MANCHESTER — Labour’s Bev Craig won the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election Friday night and will now succeed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham in the region’s top job.
Craig came top with 309,525 votes, with Reform UK’s Bev Craig trailing on 157,178 votes. The Green Party placed third.
The victory was achieved with a second round under the city’s supplemental vote system, which allows voters to pick a first and second-preference candidate.
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