Labour's candidate for Greater Manchester mayor, Bev Craig, has emphasised that the threat from Reform UK must be taken seriously, even as Nigel Farage diverts attention to his Clacton by-election campaign. Speaking to The Mirror during a visit to Urmston, Craig warned that Reform performed strongly in May’s local elections and remains a real challenge in the region.
Reform's Local Election Gains
In May’s local elections, Reform UK made significant gains in the Greater Manchester area. A recent survey placed Labour at 33.2% of first-preference support, with Reform close behind at 30.1%, followed by the Greens on 12.5%. Craig acknowledged that Labour cannot take voters for granted, especially in a region traditionally seen as a Labour stronghold.
Farage's Clacton Focus
Nigel Farage quit as an MP last week amid a probe over a £5 million gift from Thai-based crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. Reports indicate that a WhatsApp message was shared with Reform activists in Greater Manchester, urging them to “come help us in Clacton” hundreds of miles away. Craig dismissed this as a distraction, stating, “Having Nigel Farage fight a bin because he doesn’t want to be accountable for his decisions is a disgrace.”
Craig's Campaign Strategy
Craig, who has led Manchester City Council since 2021, stressed that Labour is running an energetic campaign that addresses why people voted Reform. She highlighted her commitment to a cost-of-living guarantee and a policy of free bus travel for 11 to 18-year-olds. “That for me is how you fight people who are moving away from the Labour Party and bring them back,” she said.
Background on the By-Election
The Greater Manchester mayoral by-election was triggered after Andy Burnham returned to Westminster following his Makerfield by-election victory. Burnham, who is set to become Labour leader, previously won the mayoralty with over 63% of the vote in 2024. The by-election on July 30 will see around two million eligible voters cast their ballots.
Craig's Personal Journey
Craig, 41, grew up on a council estate near Belfast and moved to Manchester in 2003 as a student. She described the city as welcoming, saying, “It was the first time in my life I felt accepted, and I could just be who I wanted to be.” First elected as a Burnage councillor in 2011, she became council leader in 2021.
Relationship with Burnham
Craig, a friend of Andy Burnham, said she expects him to be a fair and progressive prime minister who remains authentic. However, she added a warning: “Do not underestimate my ability to hold anyone’s feet to the fire when it means getting what we need for Greater Manchester.”
