Greater Manchester Holds Historic Mayoral By-Election

More than two million eligible voters in Greater Manchester will head to polling stations on July 30, 2026, for the largest by-election in United Kingdom history. The vote was triggered by the resignation of Andy Burnham, who vacated the mayoralty after winning the Makerfield by-election and assuming office as Prime Minister on July 20.

Seven candidates are contesting the seat, with Labour candidate Bev Craig entering the race as the heavy favorite according to betting odds and Findoutnow polling. Craig has vowed to address the housing crisis and freeze fares on the Bee Network. Opponents include Sian Niamh Astley of Reform UK, Geraldine Coggins of the Green Party, Phil Eckersley of the Conservatives, Richard Martin Kilpatrick of the Liberal Democrats, Marlon Scott West of Restore Britain, and independent Marcus Jonathan Farmer.

The election will utilize the supplementary vote system, which the current Labour Government reinstated earlier this year. Polls open at 7am on Thursday and close at 10pm, with results expected Friday afternoon. The outcome is viewed as a potential early political indicator for the new premiership of Andy Burnham.