Bev Craig has made history as Greater Manchester's first female mayor, winning with a two-thirds majority in a landmark election.
In a historic moment for Greater Manchester, Labour’s Bev Craig has been elected as the region’s first female mayor, securing a two-thirds majority in a landmark election. The victory marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the city region, which has been dominated by Labour since the mayoral role was established in 2017.
Craig’s triumph comes after a closely watched by-election triggered by the resignation of Andy Burnham, who stepped down to pursue a higher political role. The election, the largest by-election in UK history, saw Craig receive 309,525 votes, or 66.3 percent of the vote, against Reform UK‘s Sian Astley, who secured 157,178 votes, or 33.7 percent.
Craig’s Historic Victory and Its Implications
Moments after her victory was announced, Craig expressed her gratitude and commitment to the region. ‘I am honoured, humbled, and ready to serve the three million people that live across this fantastic city region,’ she said.
‘I will be a greater mayor for everyone. We have to move away from divisive politics that try to pit neighbour against neighbour, and we’ll work together.’
Craig’s win is not just a personal achievement but a milestone for representation in the region. As the first female and LGBT leader of Manchester City Council, she brings a unique perspective to the role. Her victory also underscores the enduring strength of Labour in Greater Manchester, despite recent political shifts across the UK.
The Road to Victory: Campaign Highlights and Challenges
The election campaign was marked by intense scrutiny and strategic maneuvering. Craig, who previously served as deputy mayor with a focus on the economy and inclusive growth, leveraged her experience to connect with voters. Her campaign emphasized building a city where ‘everyone feels welcome and everyone has a chance to succeed.’
However, the campaign was not without its challenges. The reintroduction of the supplementary vote (SV) system, which allows voters to express a first and second choice, played a crucial role in the outcome. This system benefited Labour, which has broader electoral support and can rely more heavily on second-choice votes. The election also saw a low turnout of 25.14 percent, reflecting the operational complexities of campaigning in a region of over two million people in a short timeframe.
Looking Ahead: Craig’s Agenda and Future Elections
As Craig prepares to take office, she faces a series of ambitious goals. Her manifesto includes pledges to build 50,000 new affordable homes by 2039, maintain the £2 bus cap, and expand the A Bed Every Night scheme, an initiative launched by Burnham to address homelessness. These policies aim to build on Burnham’s legacy while addressing the pressing needs of the region.
Craig’s tenure, however, will be relatively short, as she is only seeing out Burnham’s term. The next mayoral election is scheduled for 18 months from now, setting the stage for another round of political competition. In the meantime, Craig’s historic win serves as a testament to the evolving political dynamics of Greater Manchester and the enduring relevance of Labour in the region.
