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Bev Craig has been elected as the new mayor of Greater Manchester, succeeding Andy Burnham following the recent by-election held on Thursday. Representing the Labour Party, Craig secured a significant lead with 309,525 votes, while her closest opponent, Reform’s Sian Astley, received 157,178 votes. Burnham stepped down from his mayoral role after winning the Makerfield by-election in June and subsequently taking office as Prime Minister on 20 June.
Craig’s personal and professional background is rooted in public service and local government. Originally from a council estate in Belfast, she relocated to Manchester in 2003 to pursue a degree in politics and modern history at the University of Manchester. Following graduation, Craig launched her career in local government and later worked within higher education and national trade union sectors, focusing on social care. Her first elected position came in 2011 when she became a councillor representing Manchester’s Burnage ward. Over the years, she advanced to council leader in 2021, becoming both Manchester City Council’s first female leader and its first openly gay leader. Additionally, Craig has served as the deputy mayor for economy, business, and inclusive growth on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. Her services to local government were recognized with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2025 New Year Honours.
During her tenure as council leader, Craig has overseen Manchester’s robust economic growth, with the city achieving over 3% annual growth, placing it among Europe’s fastest expanding urban economies. One significant area of focus has been housing—although skyscrapers have risen in the city center, affordable housing has remained a critical concern. Nonetheless, Craig’s administration has delivered social housing developments for the first time in four decades. In 2025, the city’s children’s services earned an “outstanding” rating from Ofsted, marking a notable turnaround from a previous “inadequate” assessment in 2014 after sustained improvements. On the other hand, crime and anti-social behaviour, particularly in Piccadilly Gardens, have continued to challenge the city. Efforts to rejuvenate the area include a new multi-million-pound redevelopment plan launched in early 2026, yet violent incidents persist despite increased policing.
Looking ahead, Craig has committed herself to advancing a vision that builds on Greater Manchester’s recent successes. Her campaign promises include freezing Metrolink and bus fares on the Bee Network and extending free bus travel to all 11 to 18-year-olds, expanding the current provision that applies only to those aged 16 to 18. She emphasized, “I will work every day for us to make sure everyone shares in the success Greater Manchester is building – making sure there’s more money in people’s pockets, pride in every town centre with a New High Streets Fund, a new generation of council and affordable homes, and an expanded Bee Network that freezes fares and that works for all of us.” Furthermore, Craig pledged to oversee the construction of 50,000 new homes over the next 15 years, combining council and affordable housing. She also announced plans for a new £20 million initiative aimed at revitalising high streets by supporting small businesses, filling vacant premises, and regenerating town centres across the region
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