The Conservative Party has selected Trafford councillor Phil Eckersley as its candidate for the upcoming Greater Manchester mayoral by-election scheduled for July 30. Eckersley, a local businessman and founder of Bridgewater Care Home in Wigan, which employs over 100 people, will compete against several candidates including Labour’s Bev Craig and Green Party’s Geraldine Coggins, who also serves as a Trafford councillor.

Eckersley, representing Bowdon Ward on Trafford Council, expressed his pride in being chosen to represent the Conservative Party. He emphasized the party’s priorities for the region, highlighting goals such as enhancing public safety, improving transport infrastructure, supporting local businesses, promoting responsible development, and ensuring fiscal accountability.

Labour has positioned the contest primarily as a two-horse race against Reform UK, which made significant gains in the area during recent local elections. However, the Green Party, buoyed by recent successes in the Gorton and Denton by-elections, intends to capture votes traditionally aligned with Labour. Geraldine Coggins aims to build on this momentum in the mayoral race.

The political landscape has further diversified with the announcement by Rupert Lowe that his Restore Britain party will field a candidate. Reform UK has not yet confirmed who will stand on its behalf.

The mayoral position became available following circumstances requiring a by-election, setting the stage for a competitive contest among established and emerging parties vying for leadership over Greater Manchester’s devolved governance.