Manchester council leader Bev Craig has been announced as Labour's candidate for the Greater Manchester mayoralty. Residents will vote for Andy Burnham's successor in a by-election on July 30, triggered by the former mayor's return to Westminster via Makerfield.
Craig's Platform and Experience
Councillor Craig, who was the favourite to be Labour's mayoral candidate, has worked under Mr Burnham as deputy mayor for economy, business and inclusive growth on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. The Burnage councillor is promising to 'share' Greater Manchester's success across the region, with improving high streets, new housing, transport fare freezes and 'world-class opportunities' all on her agenda.
Coun Craig said: "Greater Manchester is a special place – from the industrial revolution, the trade union and cooperative movements and the suffragettes – this place has always fought for progress. This place changed my life and I owe it everything it gave me opportunities I could never have imagined, and I've spent my career trying to give something back."
Building on Burnham's Legacy
"While Westminster left places like ours behind, Greater Manchester has taken control of our own future and we've started building our own success. Working alongside former mayor Andy Burnham, we have achieved so much over the – bringing buses back under public control, creating jobs, attracting investment, and pushing Greater Manchester forward as a real powerhouse of the North West."
"But for too many people, who work hard and do the right thing, life still feels too hard and unaffordable. As mayor I will apply a simple test: will it make life better?"
She added: "I will work every day for us to make sure everyone shares in the success Greater Manchester is building – making sure there's more money in people's pockets, pride in every town centre with a New High Streets Fund, a new generation of council and affordable homes and an expanded Bee Network that freezes fares and that works for all of us. That's why I'm standing to be mayor – to build a Greater Manchester that works for everyone."
Craig's Background and Achievements
Coun Craig was elected onto Manchester council in 2018, and replaced Sir Richard Leese as the town hall's leader in December 2021. Labour describes her as a 'former council estate kid whose family endured unemployment, ill health and financial hardship'. She moved to Greater Manchester at 18 years old, and has spent '15 years delivering for local communities', the party says.
Describing her track record, a Labour spokesperson said: "As Leader of Manchester City Council, Bev she has overseen the highest level of council and affordable housebuilding in a generation, reduced homelessness while it has risen elsewhere, secured an Outstanding Ofsted rating for Children's Services, supported families through the cost-of-living crisis and helped drive economic growth that has created thousands of jobs."
"As lead for Economy, Business and Inclusive Growth she's spearheaded the Good Growth Fund and worked on Mayoral Development Corporations for towns and areas across Greater Manchester from Atom Valley to Old Trafford to help create tens of thousands of jobs, or revitalise town centres like Middleton, Prestwich and Stockport."
"Bev has negotiated with international companies to protect existing jobs and bring new ones right across the city-region and has led on the economic strategy that's delivered the highest levels of economic growth in the country and reduced deprivation in inner Manchester."
Other Candidates
Coun Craig is the third contender for the mayoralty to be announced so far. The Green Party announced Trafford councillor Geraldine Coggins as its candidate on Saturday, while Restore Britain announced Marlon West as its contender on Monday.
