Bev Craig becomes Greater Manchester’s first female metro mayor
Labour’s Bev Craig has been elected Greater Manchester’s new mayor, succeeding Andy Burnham after a by-election triggered by his move to Parliament. Craig led the first round with 46.5% of votes and, after counting second-preference votes, defeated Reform UK’s Sian Astley 309,525 to 157,178; turnout was just under 25% across ten boroughs. A former Manchester City Council leader and GMCA deputy mayor for economy, she pledged to defend the city region and push for a better life for residents.