Bev Craig has been elected as the new Mayor of Greater Manchester after securing 309,525 first and second preference votes in the 2026 Greater Manchester Combined Authority Mayoral Election.
Votes were counted across the city-region's ten local authority areas on 31 July 2026, with the final result announced at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena.
A total of 538,659 ballot papers were verified, representing a 25.14% voter turnout across Greater Manchester.
The election marked a return to the Supplementary Voting (SV) system, allowing residents to select both a first and second-choice candidate. Under the SV system, if no candidate receives more than 50% of first-preference votes, the top two candidates progress to a second count where second-preference votes are redistributed.
On this occasion, Sian Astley and Bev Craig advanced to the second round. Following the allocation of second-preference votes, Craig secured victory and was formally elected as Greater Manchester's next Mayor.
The voting system was previously used in the region's 2017 and 2021 mayoral elections before being replaced by first-past-the-post in 2024.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester leads the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, bringing together leaders from the region's ten councils to drive economic growth, improve public services and shape strategic policy.
The role carries significant responsibilities, including:
- Oversight of transport investment and infrastructure projects
- Strategic planning and housing development
- Leadership of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS)
- Serving as Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester Police (GMP)
- Managing devolved funding from central government, including a £630 million integrated settlement
- Representing Greater Manchester nationally and internationally to attract investment and strengthen partnerships
The GMCA comprises the leaders of Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan councils, alongside the elected Mayor.
Speaking after her victory, Craig said:
“I stand ready to serve the three million people that live across this fantastic city region, and I will serve every single one of them every single day.
“I never believed, as a girl growing up in a council estate, that one day I would have the chance to stand for the place that I love – the place in this world that I’m proud to call home – and to offer my service to make our city region better.
“To those that voted for me: thank you. To the Labour support that turned out: thank you. To those that lent me your vote: thank you. And for those of you that didn’t vote for me, I will still be your Mayor, because I will defend this city region with every bone in my body, and I will fight for a better life for all of us.
“So, the hard work begins, I have done this with a promise and a plan, and my promise and commitment to you is that I will make this city region better, but I will work for everyone. I will be a greater Mayor for everyone, and we have to heal. We have to move away from divisive politics that try and pit neighbour against neighbour, and we will work together.
“We’ll do it together, we’ll deliver together, and we will build a Greater Manchester that works for all of us, that we’re all proud of, where everyone feels welcome and everyone has a chance to succeed.”
Following her election, Bev Craig announced her intention to retain two experienced figures in senior leadership positions.
Kate Green is set to continue as Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, a role she has held since 2023. Green has led efforts aimed at strengthening community safety and improving outcomes across Greater Manchester.
Meanwhile, Paul Dennett, the elected City Mayor of Salford, has been asked to remain as Deputy Mayor for Greater Manchester. Since 2021, Dennett has played a central role in initiatives focused on tackling inequality and increasing the supply of genuinely affordable housing across the city-region.
Commenting on his reappointment, Dennett said:
“I am honoured and humbled to be asked by Mayor elect Bev Craig to continue as Deputy Mayor, and to serve alongside her and carry on with the job of delivering for the 3 million people who call our city region home. Our priority will always be to take the bold decisions that make life better for everyone – and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves once again and serve the people of Greater Manchester.”
Craig's election signals the beginning of a new chapter for Greater Manchester, with responsibilities spanning transport, housing, policing, economic development and public service reform.
As the city-region continues to benefit from devolved powers and funding, attention will now turn to how the new administration delivers on its priorities for residents, businesses and public services across the region.
Image credit: iStock
