Full Breakdown
Bev Craig Wins Greater Manchester Mayoral Race as New Prime Minister Andy Burnham Pushes Devolution
8/2/2026, 6:45:14 AM
Election Outcome
On August 1, Labour candidate Bev Craig was elected mayor of Greater Manchester, succeeding Andy Burnham, who had stepped down after becoming prime minister. Craig secured 309,525 first- or second-preference votes, defeating Reform UK’s Sian Astley, who received 157,178 votes. The result was confirmed after a second round of counting that added over 58,000 Labour votes from eliminated candidates. More than two million residents were eligible to vote in the July 30 poll, but turnout was just under 25 percent.
Devolution Plan and Political Context
Burnham’s two-week-old government intends to announce on July 31 a scheme allowing English city-region mayors to retain a share of locally collected income-tax revenue. The proposal is part of Burnham’s broader drive to shift powers from Westminster to regional leaders, a policy he described as “devolution” aimed at giving local officials control over housing, affordable homes and public transport. Craig framed the opportunity as a chance to “change our lives” by moving decision-making out of Whitehall.
Vote Numbers and Turnout
- Eligible voters: > 2 million (July 30 poll)
- Total votes for Craig (incl. second preferences): 309,525
- Total votes for Astley: 157,178
- Turnout: just under 25 percent
Official Statements & Responses
Craig responded that she is “excited” to take on the challenge, promising to freeze Metrolink and bus fares, extend free-bus travel to 11- to 18-year-olds, deliver 50,000 new homes over 15 years and launch a £20 million high-street regeneration scheme. Opposition parties warned that the devolution plans lack detail and could leave weaker economies under-funded.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is a different way of doing things.” — Andy Burnham, said prime minister
- “You are the right person to lead this great city region forward into its best decade ever,” — Andy Burnham, said prime minister
