Polls open in Greater Manchester mayoral byelection overshadowed by new PM and Farage’s antics
Voting is underway for the Greater Manchester mayoral byelection, with Labour's Bev Craig holding a significant lead over Reform UK's Sian Astley. The contest has received less attention than usual due to the recent appointment of former mayor Andy Burnham as Prime Minister.
Why it matters
This election determines the leadership of a major UK metropolitan area following a significant shift in national political power.
Polling gives Bev Craig, the Labour leader of Manchester city council, a 20 percentage point lead over the Reform candidate. Polling gives Bev Craig, the Labour leader of Manchester city council, a 20 percentage point lead over the Reform candidate. Greater Manchester mayoralty byelection 2026 Analysis Polls open in Greater Manchester mayoral byelection overshadowed by new PM and Farage’s antics Josh Halliday North of England editor Labour’s Bev Craig expected to win contest that lost column inches to Andy Burnham’s ascent and Reform UK leader’s self-imposed Clacton vote
Voting has begun in the biggest byelection in British political history, with more than 2 million people eligible to choose Andy Burnham’s successor as Greater Manchester mayor.
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