Voters in Greater Manchester went to the polls on Tuesday to elect a new mayor following Andy Burnham’s resignation earlier this year as part of his campaign to become Prime Minister. The by-election, which is expected to cost millions of pounds, marks the first significant electoral test since Burnham’s departure.

Bev Craig, the current leader of Manchester City Council and the Labour Party candidate, was widely anticipated to win the contest. She voted at Broad Oak Primary School in Didsbury and leads in recent polls, holding a 20-point advantage over Reform UK candidate Sian Astley, an interior designer and builder from Baguley ward. Polling conducted by More in Common earlier this week showed Labour with 39% support, followed by Reform UK with 19%, the Green Party at 14%, and the Conservative Party at 12%.

Prime Minister Burnham endorsed Craig’s candidacy, emphasizing her focus on ensuring that all boroughs and towns in the region share in Greater Manchester’s growth. He highlighted her commitment to addressing the cost of living and expanding opportunities for young people throughout the area. “Bev will do this by working in lockstep with every community across our city region so we can shape our future together,” Burnham said.

In contrast, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage advocated for Astley, arguing that Greater Manchester needs a mayor with real-world business experience rather than a career politician. Farage claimed that Astley would revitalize local high streets, address concerns about the settlement of illegal migrants in towns, and promote transparency in the use of public funds.

The by-election covered voters across all ten boroughs in Greater Manchester: Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, and Wigan. Burnham stepped down after winning the Makerfield by-election in June, triggering this mayoral by-election to fill the vacancy.

The election result was expected to be announced later on Wednesday.