Manchester mayoral election: Labour’s Bev Craig defeats Reform UK’s Sian Astley

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, August 2, 2026

Bev Craig was elected mayor of Greater Manchester in a by-election held on August 1, 2026, securing 66.3 percent of the vote against Reform UK candidate Sian Astley after a second-round count using the supplementary vote system. The victory maintains Labour's dominance in the region despite low voter turnout and marks a setback for Reform UK amid internal controversies and declining support for Nigel Farage.

Bev Craig has been elected as the new mayor of Greater Manchester, succeeding Andy Burnham, who stepped down after winning a parliamentary seat in Makerfield. The by-election, held on August 1, 2026, saw Craig, representing Labour, defeat Reform UK candidate Sian Astley in a second-round count, with Craig receiving 66.3 percent of the vote compared to Astley’s 33.7 percent.

The election employed the supplementary vote system, reinstated recently after a House of Lords decision, which required a second round since no candidate secured an outright majority in the first round. Craig led the first round with 47.15 percent, followed by Astley at 21 percent and Green Party candidate Geraldine Coggins at 12.2 percent. After redistribution of second-preference votes, Craig secured victory with a margin of 309,525 votes to Astley’s 157,178.

Voter turnout was notably low, falling just under 25 percent, marking the lowest participation rate since the mayoral position was established in 2017. The contest came amid concerns within Labour that Reform UK, buoyed by previous local gains and public polling, might make significant inroads following Burnham’s resignation. However, Labour’s victory was decisive, reaffirming the party’s strength in the region.

This election represented a significant setback for Reform UK and its prominent figure Nigel Farage, whose party had enjoyed a surge in local support over recent months. Recent polling placed Labour ahead with 28 percent, followed by Reform at 23 percent and the Conservative Party at 20 percent. Farage’s personal approval ratings have declined amid increased scrutiny, including controversies over a £5 million donation he received and financial issues involving his aide George Cottrell. Farage also triggered a by-election in his own Clacton constituency as he sought to address allegations.

The by-election in Greater Manchester is the first major electoral test during Burnham’s tenure as an MP and came shortly after Labour’s loss in a nearby council by-election to the Green Party. The election cost approximately £5 million, funded by taxpayers.

In her victory speech, Craig expressed pride and commitment to serve the city-region’s three million residents, reflecting on her upbringing and her dedication to improving the area. Andy Burnham marked the occasion by taking a celebratory selfie with Craig, symbolically passing on the mayoral baton.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.