An election taking place this month will have enormous consequences for the future of Greater Manchester. Voters will decide on July 30 who will become the region's new mayor, a job that comes with major powers and responsibilities. The mayor has a direct say over setting budgets and priorities for Greater Manchester's public services – and over the future of transport, housing, policing, and many other issues affecting more than three million people.
Why is the election happening?
Andy Burnham had served as mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017 but decided to return to Parliament as an MP. Josh Simons resigned as the MP for Makerfield in May, sparking a by-election. Burnham won the Makerfield by-election on June 18 as Labour's candidate, making him an MP and vacating the mayoral role. Days later, Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned as Labour leader. Burnham is the only candidate to succeed him, backed by 322 Labour MPs, and is set to become the next Prime Minister possibly by July 20. Consequently, a mayoral election has been called for July 30.
How to vote and key dates
More than two million people are eligible to vote. The deadline to register to vote is 11:59pm on Tuesday, July 14. Applications for postal votes must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday, July 15. Voters need valid photo ID at polling stations, such as a passport or driving licence. Those without ID can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate by 5pm on Wednesday, July 22. Proxy vote applications also close at 5pm on July 22. Polls open from 7am to 10pm on July 30, with the result announced on July 31.
Candidates for Greater Manchester mayor
Seven candidates are standing: Sian Astley (Reform UK), Geraldine Coggins (Green Party), Bev Craig (Labour), Phil Eckersley (Conservative), Marcus Farmer (Independent), Richard Kilpatrick (Liberal Democrats), and Marlon West (Restore Britain).
- Sian Astley – Businesswoman and Reform UK group leader on Manchester council, promises to prioritise towns across the region.
- Geraldine Coggins – Green Party group leader on Trafford council, vows to create 20,000 affordable homes in ten years and a high streets task force.
- Bev Craig – Labour councillor and leader of Manchester council since 2021, oversaw major housebuilding; priority is free bus travel for 11-18-year-olds.
- Phil Eckersley – Conservative councillor in Trafford and businessman, argues decisions focus too much on Manchester city centre.
- Marcus Farmer – Independent candidate who previously stood in 2017 and 2021.
- Richard Kilpatrick – Liberal Democrat councillor in Manchester, advocates free public transport and social care improvements.
- Marlon West – Former mental health nurse and child exploitation campaigner, pledges a dedicated GMP taskforce for historic cases.
Voting system change
The voting system has changed from first-past-the-post to supplementary voting. Voters mark first and second choices. If no candidate gets over 50% of first preferences, the top two proceed to a second round where second preferences are added. Reform UK criticised the change as a 'cynical attempt' to influence the election.
Hustings and public debate
The Manchester Evening News held the first hustings on July 8 at Chetham's School of Music. Candidates clashed over affordable housing, immigration, and women's rights. The Green Party attacked Reform over a £5m donation from a cryptocurrency billionaire, while Labour faced accusations of neglecting outer boroughs. The full event is available on the M.E.N's YouTube channel.
