Greater Manchester is set for a new mayor after Andy Burnham's decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election. The newly elected Labour MP defeated Reform UK's Robert Kenyon by nearly 10,000 votes, securing 54% of the total. This marks the end of Burnham's nearly decade-long tenure as mayor and sets the stage for a critical election on July 30.
When is the election for Greater Manchester mayor happening?
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has confirmed July 30 as the election date. An official notice was issued on Friday morning, June 19. The election will span all ten boroughs, with 2.1 million registered voters and an estimated 400,000 postal votes. The cost is expected to be substantial, with the 2024 mayoral vote costing £4.7 million. The deadline to register is midnight on Tuesday, July 14. Counting typically occurs the day after polling, so the result should be announced on Friday, July 31.
Why is Andy Burnham no longer Greater Manchester mayor?
Becoming an MP disqualifies Burnham from being mayor, as per the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011. The moment he was elected MP for Makerfield, he automatically ceased to be mayor. No formal resignation is required.
What voting system will be used?
The government has changed the voting system from first-past-the-post to supplementary voting, effective June 18 under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act. Voters will choose a first and second preference. If no candidate gets 50% in the first round, the top two candidates proceed to a second round where second preferences are added. This could significantly impact the outcome, with Reform UK calling it a 'cynical attempt' to favour Labour.
Who might stand to be the next Greater Manchester mayor?
The contest to replace Burnham is expected to be fierce. Labour's candidate is likely Bev Craig, leader of Manchester council. Other rumoured candidates include:
- Conservatives: Nadim Muslim, leader of Bolton Conservatives.
- Green Party: Geraldine Coggins, leader of Trafford Green Party, is considered the favourite.
- Lib Dems: Richard Kilpatrick, a councillor in Didsbury.
- Reform UK: Dan Barker, the 2024 candidate, or Councillor Sian Astley.
- Restore Britain: Marlon West, a child exploitation campaigner.
What's next for Andy Burnham?
Burnham is expected to persuade Prime Minister Keir Starmer to step down, potentially through a transition of power or a leadership contest. If Starmer resigns, Burnham could stand for Labour leader, needing support from 81 Labour MPs. The timing is crucial, as Burnham's allies warn that Labour could lose the mayoral election if Starmer does not set a departure timetable.
