More than two million people will head to polling stations on July 30 to vote for a new Greater Manchester mayor in what is set to be the biggest by-election in British history. Seven candidates are in line to replace now-Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who resigned from the position after being elected to Parliament in the Makerfield by-election last month. The mayoral role was created in 2017, with Mr Burnham elected as the inaugural holder and winning every election since without less than 60% of the vote.
The Candidates
Reform UK has put forward Wythenshawe Councillor Sian Astley, who has lived in the area for 35 years. She has claimed to have “always fought” for the area, having prevented Withington Baths from closing and running a campaign to stop domestic abuse survivors from being made homeless. Ms Astley has vowed to cut waste, cut tax, and “fight against illegal migrants being dumped here.” Another of her priorities includes opening the grooming gangs files and luxury developer contracts. She also withdrew from a hustings on Monday, claiming on social media that she pulled out after independent candidate Marcus Farmer was prevented from taking part.
Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain has backed Marlon West, a born and bred Mancunian with more than 30 years of NHS service. Inquiries into rape gangs have been a priority for Mr West, whose own daughter is a rape gang survivor. He has also pledged to “put visible policing back on our streets” and “put infrastructure first.” His manifesto says he will “stop obsessing” over central Manchester and focus on places like Wigan, Bolton, Rochdale, Stockport, and Sale.
The Green Party candidate is Geraldine Coggins, one of Manchester’s first Green Councillors. Her manifesto includes building 20,000 publicly owned, energy-efficient homes “by restoring empty properties and a public developer to build rental homes.” She has also pledged to “revive high streets” and put climate and nature “at the heart of every decision,” as well as “stand against the Gaza genocide.”
Liberal Democrat Richard Kilpatrick, a councillor in Didsbury West, claims to have opened emergency flood relief spaces and hammered down on public spending. He intends to campaign for closer ties with Europe to boost the region’s economy and for more investment in social care. Priorities include cutting childcare costs, building homes, and protecting the region from climate change.
Interim Mayor Paul Dennett announced he would not run, and Labour put forward Bev Craig, who has Andy Burnham’s backing. Ms Craig is the leader of Manchester City Council and councillor for Burnage. She has vowed to improve town centres, freeze fares on the Bee Network, and tackle the housing crisis. One pledge includes expanding neighbourhood policing and giving “every young person the chance to get into work.”
Conservative Phil Eckersley represents Bowdon ward on Trafford Council. He has vowed to “get the area back on track” by prioritising areas outside Manchester city centre. His priorities include building more homes “in the right places,” backing public transport and motorists, and freezing the Mayor’s share of council tax.
Independent Marcus Farmer, a local businessman, is standing in his third mayoral election. He received just under 1% of the vote last time. His five-point plan focuses on young people, small and medium-sized business investment, “forgotten towns,” access to choice, and equality of opportunity.
Who will win?
According to bet365 odds as of July 28, Labour’s Bev Craig is the heavy favourite at 1/50. Reform UK is at 14/1, the Green Party at 12/1, Restore Britain at 80/1, and the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives both at 1000/1. Reform UK had a disappointing result in the Makerfield by-election, and the party faces pressure after Nigel Farage resigned as MP of Clacton-upon-Sea amid a furore over his finances. The Green Party hopes to add to its Manchester victories after winning the seat of Gorton and Denton.
When will results be announced?
Voting takes place from 7am to 10pm on July 30. The result is expected to be declared on July 31.
