Bev Craig has become the new mayor of Greater Manchester after a long count that ended late on Friday. The former Manchester city council leader takes over from Andy Burnham following his rapid ascent to Number 10 Downing Street.
Second-round result
Because no candidate reached 50 per cent in the first round, Ms Craig went through to a second round against Reform UK's Sian Astley. The other five candidates - Geraldine Coggins of the Green Party, Phil Eckersley of the Conservatives, independent Marcus Farmer, Richard Kilpatrick of the Liberal Democrats and Marlon West of Restore Britain - were eliminated.
Just after 11pm, the result of both rounds was announced: Ms Craig had won 309,525 votes (66.3 per cent) while Ms Astley had 157,178 (33.7 per cent). The election used the supplementary vote system, meaning voters could choose a first and second preference.
Lowest turnout
Turnout was the lowest ever recorded for an election to the role in the region, at 25.14 per cent.
Victory speech and celebrations
Ms Craig said in her victory speech: "Greater Manchester is special. I'm honoured, I'm humbled and I stand ready to serve. I will defend this city region with every bone in my body and I will fight for a better life for all of us."
She joined Labour activists and Prime Minister Andy Burnham for a victory rally on Saturday. The by-election, the biggest ever held in the UK, was triggered when Mr Burnham stood down after being elected MP for Makerfield.
