Voters across Greater Manchester head to the polls on Thursday, July 30, to elect a new mayor. The election follows Andy Burnham's return to Westminster after winning the Makerfield by-election and becoming Prime Minister.
When is the election?
The mayoral election takes place on July 30, 2026. Polls are open from 7am to 10pm, with results expected on Friday, July 31.
Who can vote?
To vote, you must be registered in one of the ten Greater Manchester boroughs: Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford or Wigan. You must be 18 or over on July 30.
Why is the election happening?
Andy Burnham vacated the mayoral role after being elected MP for Makerfield and subsequently becoming Prime Minister following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation. This triggered a by-election for the mayor position.
Candidates
Seven candidates are standing: Sian Niamh Astley (Reform UK), Geraldine Coggins (Green Party), Bev Craig (Labour and Co-operative Party), Phil Eckersley (Conservative and Unionist Party), Marcus Jonathan Farmer (Independent), Richard Martin Kilpatrick (Liberal Democrats), and Marlon Scott West (Restore Britain).
Polling prediction
A Findoutnow poll of 1,505 residents (July 7-13) predicted Labour candidate Bev Craig winning 38% of the vote, which would give her a comfortable victory.
How to vote
The election uses supplementary voting. Voters mark a first-choice candidate in Column A and a second-choice in Column B. Both choices must be different; a first choice is required for the vote to count.
