Polls open in Greater Manchester mayoral by-election

More than two million people are eligible to vote making it Britain's biggest ever by-election

Author: Nathan MarshPublished 1 hour ago

Polls have opened across Greater Manchester as voters choose a new mayor for the city region.

The election was triggered after Andy Burnham resigned as mayor.

He stepped down after winning the Makerfield by-election last month, which led to him becoming Prime Minister.

More than two million people are eligible to vote, making it Britain's biggest ever by-election.

The Greater Manchester mayor holds significant powers.

Only the Prime Minister and the Mayor of London hold more authority in English politics.

Polls are open until 10pm.

Burnham's time as mayor

Andy Burnham became the first elected mayor of Greater Manchester in 2017 and was re-elected twice, most recently in 2024.

During his time in the role, he oversaw major reforms to the region's transport network.

He also backed investment in towns including Altrincham and Stockport.

A proposed clean air zone charge for the region was put forward under his leadership, but was later scrapped.

All the Greater Manchester mayoral election candidates (in alphabetical order by surname):

Sian Astley, Reform UK

Geraldine Coggins, Green Party

Bev Craig, Labour

Phil Eckersley, Conservative

Marcus Farmer, Independent

Richard Kilpatrick, Liberal Democrats

Marlon West, Restore Britain

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