Voting opens in biggest ever by-election to replace Andy Burnham as Greater Manchester Mayor

Voting opens in biggest ever by-election to replace Andy Burnham as Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig insisted Greater Manchester's 'best days are still ahead of us' as polling stations opened at 7am on Thursday in the mayoral contest triggered by Andy Burnham's Westminster comeback Labour's candidate to succeed Andy Burnham as Mayor of Greater Manchester in the country’s biggest ever by-election has promised voters she won’t let them down. Bev Craig insisted the region’s “best days are still ahead of us” as polling stations opened at 7am on Thursday in the mayoral contest that was triggered last month. But as the party fights Reform UK, she added: “Only if we keep moving forward together, face up to our biggest challenges, and make life better for everyone. That's why, today, I am asking for you to choose hope and vote Labour.” Speaking on the eve of the vote, Ms Craig, who has led Manchester City Council since 2021, said: “With such a big by-election, all indications are that it could be close. That’s why it’s more important than ever that you get out and vote. Today – I hope that you will put your trust in me, and vote Labour. I promise I will not let you down.” Around two million people are eligible to vote in the contest today — making it the biggest by-election the country has ever seen. It was triggered after Mr Burnham resigned from the role of Greater Manchester Mayor last month following his victory in the Makerfield parliamentary by-election, paving the way for his bid for Downing Street. Nigel Farage’s Reform UK had been hoping to cause a major political upset in Greater Manchester - a Labour heartland - and were expected to pour resources into the region. They picked Sian Astley, who has been on DIY SOS and led the party’s group on Manchester City Council, to fight for the party. But Reform chief Mr Farage’s attention has been diverted to his own Clacton by-election where he is facing comedy candidates including Count Binface after political rivals accused him of a political stunt and announced they were boycotting the contest. And according to the most recent polling Ms Craig looks set for a comfortable victory - despite a reduced share of the vote. Ahead of polling stations opening on Thursday, the new PM Mr Burnham also urged voters to back Ms Craig, who he said will make sure “every town, every borough” shares in the region’s success. He said: “After years working alongside Bev Craig, I have no doubt that she will work every single day to build on the progress we’ve all made together.” “Bev will focus on putting more money in your pocket, giving families more breathing space on the cost of living, and making sure young people across every borough have the opportunities they need to thrive. “Bev will do this by working in lockstep with every community across our city region so we can shape our future together. She is the only candidate who will make sure every town, every borough, and every person shares in Greater Manchester’s success. Together, for our future, vote Bev Craig today to be our next Mayor of Greater Manchester.” Voting in the contest will close at 10pm with the result expected to be announced on Friday afternoon. Full list of Manchester mayoral candidates - ASTLEY, Sian Niamh (Reform UK) - COGGINS, Geraldine (The Green Party) - CRAIG, Bev (Labour and Co-operative Party) - ECKERSLEY, Phil (The Conservative Party Candidate) - FARMER, Marcus Jonathan (Independent) - KILPATRICK, Richard Martin (Liberal Democrats) - WEST, Marlon Scott (Restore Britain)