The seven candidates vying to become the next mayor of Greater Manchester have issued their final statements as polling stations opened at 7am on July 30. The historic by-election will decide who succeeds Andy Burnham, who became Prime Minister after winning the Makerfield seat. More than two million voters across the ten boroughs are eligible to cast their ballots.
The winner will control budgets for housing, transport, and policing. The by-election is the first time since 2017 that Burnham's name is not on the ballot. Candidate list: Labour's Bev Craig, Conservative Phil Eckersley, Green Geraldine Coggins, Reform UK Sian Astley, Liberal Democrat Richard Kilpatrick, Restore's Marlon West, and Independent Marcus Farmer.
Conservative
Phil Eckersley released a video on Facebook as polls opened, calling the contest "the biggest by-election in British history." He said: "Your mayor controls billions of pounds of investment, our transport system and is in charge of the police. These decisions affect every one of us." He pledged safer streets, affordable homes, brownfield-first development, a freeze in the mayor's tax, and a fair deal for every borough.
Labour
Bev Craig said she was "proud to call Greater Manchester home" and urged voters to "choose hope and vote Labour." She highlighted her experience working alongside Burnham, saying: "Together with Andy, we drove our city region forwards. We brought our buses back under public control, unlocked massive investment, and secured the biggest transfer of powers from Westminster to Greater Manchester." She promised to restore pride in town centres, build affordable homes, help young people, and deliver for all boroughs.
Reform UK
Sian Astley posted a message saying she wanted to "fix the stuff that needs fixing." She noted that residents told her they were voting for her again because problems are "so large and so complex" that she would be better placed as mayor. She said she is not standing for personal advantage but because entrenched politicians cannot dismantle what they helped create.
Independent
Marcus Farmer said if elected he would "hold the city together from a non political standpoint." He criticised echo chambers and celebrity endorsement, and described himself as "a lone voice at this election." He predicted his movement ALP33 would be "a lot fitter and ready next time around in 2028."
Liberal Democrats
Richard Kilpatrick filmed a statement along the banks of the Mersey in Fletcher Moss, saying: "When I speak to people in this election, it's really clear to me that affordability is the number one priority." He proposed tackling childcare costs, delivering affordable and social homes through cooperatives, and getting a grip on social care costs.
Green Party
Geraldine Coggins posted on Facebook about her plans for AI development: "As the region's first Green mayor, I will work to end the folly of rushing headlong into AI development without public debate and environmental protections." Her top priorities include putting climate and nature first, making living affordable, creating opportunity, and building a safer city region.
Restore Britain
Restore leader Rupert Lowe shared a message on behalf of Marlon West, who himself had not posted as of polling day. Lowe wrote: "Today is the day, Greater Manchester. The day to vote Marlon West and Restore Britain - to start the process of taking back Greater Manchester." He highlighted West's campaigning on rape gangs following his daughter's rape, and urged voters to use their first preference for Restore as a 'free hit'.
