Polling stations open for mayoral election
Polling stations have opened in Greater Manchester for a mayoral election triggered by the resignation of Andy Burnham. Voters are selecting a new leader for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority using a supplementary vote system.
Why it matters
The election determines the leadership of a major UK metropolitan region following the incumbent's transition to the role of Prime Minister.
Image source, EPA Image caption, Polls have opened across Greater Manchester for the mayoral election
Polling stations across Greater Manchester have opened in a mayoral election that was triggered when Andy Burnham resigned as the city region's mayor.
MPs are not permitted to be mayor, meaning Burnham had to stand down after his success in last month's Makerfield parliamentary by-election. His election as an MP paved the way for him becoming prime minister earlier this month.
Voters are now choosing which candidate they would like to represent them as mayor of Greater Manchester and leader of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
Polling stations opened at 07:00 BST and will close at 22:00. The results are due to be announced on Friday.
Here is a list - in alphabetical order, by surname - of the seven candidates who are standing in the mayoral election:
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