Voters across Greater Manchester are heading to the polls on Thursday, July 31, for the region's first mayoral by-election. This is the largest by-election ever held in Britain, affecting over three million people across ten boroughs. The winner will set budgets and priorities on transport, housing, policing, and more.
Candidates on the Ballot
Seven candidates are standing: Bev Craig (Labour), Geraldine Coggins (Greens), Sian Astley (Reform UK), Richard Martin Kilpatrick (Liberal Democrats), Phil Eckersley (Conservatives), and independent Marcus Jonathan Farmer. Notably, former mayor Andy Burnham is not on the ballot for the first time since 2017. He had won all ten boroughs in 2021 and 2024.
Voting System and Count
Unlike the 2024 election, this by-election uses the supplementary voting system, allowing voters to cast a first and second preference. Counting begins at 9am on Friday at Co-op Live, after polls close at 10pm on Thursday, July 30. Results could be declared by mid-afternoon Friday, but may be later if second preferences are counted.
