Votes are being counted in the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election, held after Andy Burnham became Prime Minister. The result could be declared by early afternoon on Friday, July 31.
Background to the election
Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, triggered the election after winning the Makerfield by-election in June following the resignation of Josh Simons. He returned to Parliament, and shortly after, Sir Keir Starmer resigned, allowing Burnham to launch a successful leadership bid. He is now Labour leader and Prime Minister.
Polling and candidates
Polling stations across all 10 boroughs were open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday, July 30. Seven candidates stood: Sian Niamh Astley (Reform UK), Geraldine Coggins (Green Party), Bev Craig (Labour), Phil Eckersley (Conservative), Marcus Jonathan Farmer (independent), Richard Kilpatrick (Liberal Democrats), and Marlon West (Restore Britain).
Counting process
The count begins at 9am on Friday. If no outright winner emerges, second round votes will be counted, potentially delaying the result to the afternoon.
