Bev Craig, just 108 days into her role as Greater Manchester mayor, says she is happy with what she has achieved so far but insists there is still 'more to do'. The former city council leader has overseen major changes across the region, including plans for new homes, tram expansion, and youth opportunities.
First 100 days achievements
Craig was elected mayor in a July by-election following Andy Burnham's departure to become Makerfield MP and later Prime Minister. Her term runs until May 2028. Reflecting on her first 100 days, she said: "I would say that the first 100 [108 as of Sunday, November 15] has been a great start, but I was also really clear that I was standing on an 18-month platform."
She highlighted plans for 50,000 homes, with a target of 10,000 of those already being brought forward. "I've set myself a plan for 10,000 of those, many of which we're beginning to bring forward and get on site," she said. The mayor also hinted at announcements on tram expansion, including a tram-train route for Bolton, and a focus on youth opportunities and jobs, particularly with the upcoming Milburn review.
Key policy rollouts
New mayoral development corporations have been approved to drive regeneration in Oldham, Bolton, Middleton, and Ashton and Stalybridge. Craig has also rolled out plans for free bus travel for 11-to-16 year olds, with the Our Pass 11-16 scheme launching in January 2027 to help up to 200,000 young people, potentially saving families £500 a year.
A new social contract for organisations applying for investment through the Good Growth Fund requires them to create apprenticeships, recruit locally, and support local supply chains. Additionally, £20m of funding will be spent on high street upgrades across Greater Manchester.
Transport and infrastructure ambitions
Craig is pushing for a new underground station at Manchester Piccadilly and a London-underground style metro system. The Bee Network is set to expand in December when the first train stations become part of the transport network. She said: "I want it to be radically ambitious and as big as it can possibly be."
On tram services, she aims to get start dates for the tram-train orbital route by 2028, move quickly on the Stockport tram extension, and reduce tram wait times to six minutes. "I'm also looking at how we can buy more trams that are longer and fill capacity," she added.
Homelessness and future plans
On homelessness, Craig acknowledged more work is needed. She estimated around 300 new bed spaces were needed in the summer, and with government funding, 200 have been secured, with plans to find the extra 100. She has set up an action group bringing together the voluntary sector, local authorities, and housing providers.
Looking ahead, Craig said she is on track to deliver on her manifesto promises by May 2028, adding: "I'm wasting no time because, look, I'll say this: the status quo is not enough."
