Two senior Labour figures in Manchester have put themselves forward to replace Bev Craig as leader of the council.
Manchester Labour group confirmed that Garry Bridges and Thomas Robinson have both put their names forward to take on the top job, as first revealed by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) in July.
Candidates' backgrounds
Coun Pat Karney, secretary of Manchester Labour group, said he was pleased to have 'two of the most dedicated and experienced candidates' in the race for the job of council leader.
He told the LDRS: “Garry Bridges is deputy leader and he oversaw a huge improvement in children's services at the council.
“Tom Robinson is the lead on health and adult social care services, and has just got recognition for the outstanding work to improve care services for Manchester residents.
“As a Labour group, our focus is not on internal stuff at the town hall, but we are always focused on improving and delivering the best services in Manchester.
“I am confident that either of these two people would make a very good leader for the council.”
Next steps
A Manchester Labour group meeting is planned for September 1 where councillors will decide who will be the next group leader.
Whoever is selected is then set to be formally appointed as leader at a council meeting on September 3.
By-election and council composition
Bev Craig’s election as Greater Manchester mayor also means there will be a council by-election in the Burnage ward on September 10.
Including the vacant Burnage seat, there are currently 63 Labour councillors in Manchester, the Greens have 21 seats, Reform seven, and there are four Lib Dems.
