Greater Manchester mayoral election live: Andy Burnham faces first big test at ballot box as Reform chase Labour

Greater Manchester mayoral election live: Andy Burnham faces first big test at ballot box as Reform chase Labour It is the largest by-election in British history, with more than two million people across the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester eligible to vote - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Andy Burnham’s successor as Greater Manchester mayor will be announced on Friday in what is his first electoral test as prime minister. Counting of votes from Thursday’s by-election will begin at 9am and continue throughout the day. The result is not expected to be declared before the afternoon. More than two million people were eligible to vote in the contest, triggered by Mr Burnham’s election as MP for Makerfield last month before he became leader of the Labour Party. Polling before the vote suggested Labour candidate Bev Craig, currently the leader of Manchester City Council and an ally of Mr Burnham’s, was on course to win by a comfortable margin. Her main rival is likely to be either Reform UK’s Sian Astley or the Green Party’s Geraldine Coggins, who are likely to battle it out for second place. Mr Burnham voted at a polling station in Golborne, near Wigan, late on Thursday, casting his ballot less than an hour before polls closed. Bev Craig: Andy Burnham’s ‘protégé’ who wants to be more powerful than he was Read our profile of Labour’s candidate below: Bev Craig: Burnham’s ‘protégé’ hoping to be more powerful than he was Labour 'on the front foot', Lucy Powell says After voting finished on Thursday, Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell said her party had run “a really positive campaign” and been “on the front foot, setting out our stall, showing what Labour in power can do”. She said: “Through our candidate Bev Craig and our new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, we have heard from many people who are giving Labour another look. Labour is offering hope. “If the voters of Greater Manchester put their trust in Labour, we will all work tirelessly to put Bev’s promises into action.” What time will the Greater Manchester mayoral election results be announced and is there an exit poll? When will Manchester mayoral election results be announced and is there an exit poll? Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments [Image text:] PLEASE NOTE YOU NOWNEED TO PRESENT PHOTOID TO BE ABLE TO VOTE POLLING STATION