Labour’s candidate, Bev Craig, vying to take over from Andy Burnham as Mayor of Greater Manchester in the nation’s largest by-election, has reassured voters of her commitment not to disappoint them. Craig expressed optimism about the region’s future, emphasizing the importance of unity and progress in addressing challenges and improving the lives of all residents. With the mayoral contest underway since 7 am on Thursday, Craig urged voters to choose hope and support the Labour party in moving the community forward.
As the voting day approached, Craig, the current leader of Manchester City Council, acknowledged the significance of the election’s potential closeness and encouraged people to cast their votes. Approximately two million eligible voters are participating in this historic by-election, triggered by Burnham’s resignation last month to pursue a parliamentary seat. The Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, aimed to challenge the Labour stronghold in Greater Manchester by fielding Sian Astley as their candidate, but recent polls favor Craig for a comfortable victory despite a reduced vote share.
In anticipation of the election outcome, Burnham endorsed Craig, highlighting her dedication to ensuring equitable prosperity across all areas of Greater Manchester. He praised Craig’s focus on improving living standards, affordability, and opportunities for youth, emphasizing her collaborative approach with the community to shape a prosperous future for the region. The voting process will conclude at 10 pm, with the announcement of the results expected on Friday afternoon.
