Andy Burnham's message to Greater Manchester as Bev Craig becomes mayor

NewsGreater Manchester NewsBev CraigLabour retained the mayoralty after a long day of counting09:08, 01 Aug 2026Andy Burnham says he 'couldn't be happier' to see Bev Craig elected his successor as Greater Manchester mayor. The new Prime Minister gave up the role when winning the Makerfield by-election in June, as the mayor cannot be a serving MP at the same time.‌Ms Craig retained the mayoralty for Labour late last night (July 31) after two rounds of vote counting across Greater Manchester. She had secured a large majority of votes in the first round - but not enough to pass the 50 per cent mark and end the contest.‌But in a showdown with Reform UK's Sian Astley with second preferences included, Ms Craig stormed to victory with 66 per cent of the votes. In a message posted on X this mornin