Voters across Greater Manchester will elect a new mayor on Thursday, July 30, after Andy Burnham was automatically disqualified from the role when he became an MP.
What triggered the election
The election was triggered by Mr Burnham's success in the Makerfield by-election last month, where he secured more than 54% of the vote. Under the law, a mayor with Police and Crime Commissioner responsibilities cannot remain in the position. Mr Burnham took on those responsibilities when first elected in 2017, meaning he was automatically disqualified upon becoming an MP.
This is the first time Mr Burnham's name has not appeared on the ballot since 2017, when the role of metro mayor was created. His departure leaves an opening for a new mayor, with seven candidates running on July 30.
Candidates and polls
Labour candidate Bev Craig stands alongside Green candidate Geraldine Coggins, Reform UK candidate Sian Astley, Liberal Democrat Richard Martin Kilpatrick, and others from the Conservative Party, Restore Britain, and an independent.
A recent Findoutnow poll of 1,505 Greater Manchester residents, conducted between July 7 and 13, predicted Labour could take 38% of the vote, indicating Bev Craig would 'win with relative ease'.
Impact of the election
Whoever is elected will have a direct say over setting budgets and priorities across the region, affecting housing, transport, and policing for years to come.
