Bev Craig elected Greater Manchester mayor
Analysis based on 10 articles · First reported Jul 31, 2026 · Last updated Aug 01, 2026
The election result is unlikely to have a direct impact on financial markets, as it is a local political event. However, it may signal continued Labour dominance in Greater Manchester, which could influence regional policy and investment decisions.
Bev Craig of the Labour Party won the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election on July 31, 2026, succeeding Andy Burnham, who had become Prime Minister. Craig won 47.15% of first-round votes, triggering a second round under the supplementary vote system, where she defeated United Kingdom — Reform UK's Sian Astley by 309,525 to 157,178. Turnout was 25.14%, the lowest ever for a mayoral election in the region. Craig, the first female metro mayor, promised to freeze bus and Metrolink fares, extend free travel to 11-18-year-olds, and build 50,000 affordable homes by 2039. The election was triggered by Burnham's election to Parliament in June, which led to his becoming Prime Minister. Labour retained control of the mayoralty despite recent losses in the region.
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