POLLING stations have opened their doors across Manchester as residents choose their replacement for Andy Burnham.
A by-election is being held today, July 30, 2026, to elect the Mayor of Greater Manchester.
Andy Burnham became the UK Prime Minister in July 2026 Credit: AP
was disqualified from the post after he won the 2026 and became an MP.
The current acting mayor, Paul Dennett from , who has served as Burnham’s deputy since 2021, is not standing in this election.
The Supplementary Vote system means that voters can choose their first and second choice.
The winner of the biggest by-election ever held in the UK will serve as mayor until the 2028 mayoral election.
Sian Astley, Reform UK
Sian Astley is standing for Reform UKCredit: Refer to Source
Sian Astley is the group leader for who has lived in Manchester for 35 years.
She currently serves as a councillor for Manchester City, representing the Baguley ward.
The landlady and businesswoman owns 17 small flats across three properties in south Manchester.
“I started with nothing but have built up a successful property and design business,” she said.
Sian believes that needs “some commonsense leadership”.
This includes delivering safer streets, fixing battered roads and protecting green spaces.
She added: “I’ll fight against any more illegal migrants being dumped here.”
Geraldine Coggins, Greens
Geraldine Coggins is standing for the Greens Credit: Unknown
Geraldine Coggins is the leader of the group on Trafford Council.
She moved to Manchester from Dublin to raise her family, following her roots in Bolton, Salford, Bury and Whalley Range.
The former educator claims to know “how to get things done”.
She said: “For the last eight years, I’ve been invited to speak with city leaders and I’ve stood up against unfair council cuts.
“People here are fed up and ready for real change.”
Bev Craig, Labour Co-op
Bev Craig is standing for the Labour and Co-op Party Credit: Unknown
Bev Craig is the first female and LGBTQ+ leader of Manchester City Council.
As leader, she is also a member of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority where she overseas economy, business and inclusive growth.
Bev grew up on a council estate just outside and moved to Manchester from in 2003.
In the 2026 New Year Honours, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) “for services to local government”.
Andy has backed Bev in this election, saying: “I know her well and I can’t think of anyone better than Bev to hand over the reins to.
“She gets things done, and she’ll be a mayor for us.”
Phil Eckersley, Conservatives
Phil Eckersley is standing for the Conservatives Credit: Unknown
Phil Eckersley is a Trafford councillor and deputy leader of Trafford Conservatives.
Growing up in Manchester, his ambition is to “get our area back on track” after it has been “left behind” by Labour leadership.
Phil said: “Roads going unrepaired for months, sometimes even years. Housing sandwiched onto the little green space we have left.
“And Council Tax climbing ever higher – putting even more strain onto stretched families. All while more funding is poured into Manchester city centre.
“Our boroughs deserve better. We don’t need another Mayor for Manchester city centre. We need a fair deal for all our boroughs.”
Richard Kilpatrick, Liberal Democrats
Richard Kilpatrick is standing for the LibDems Credit: Unknown
Richard Kilpatrick serves as a councillor for Didsbury West on Manchester City Council.
He has lived and worked in the area for more than 10 years.
His plan is to make Greater Manchester affordable again by cutting the cost of childcare, building homes and improving social care.
Having cared for his mum through her ‘s, Richard wants to invest in workforce training and fight for fairer pay for care workers.
He also campaigns for closer ties between the UK and EU to reverse the impact of .
Marlon West, Restore
Marlon West is standing for Restore Credit: Unknown
Marlon West is a former nurse with more than 30 years of service in the .
He launched a campaign against child sexual exploitation after his daughter was a victim and survival of .
Among his top priorities, Marlon wants to open a full inquiry into the rape and hold a women’s safety summit in every area of Greater Manchester.
He also believes that launching a High Street Crime Taskforce will allow to tackle dodgy shops and criminal fronts.
Marcus Farmer, Independent
Marcus Farmer is an independent candidate Credit: Unknown
Marcus Farmer is a local businessman who does not represent any political party in this election.
His priority is to focus on issues concerning young people under 30, especially student debt, lack of , and .
Speaking to Manchester Evening News , Marcus said: “We are heading for a population crash as young people under 30 are not starting families for obvious reasons.
“Young people need hope and optimism and we need to be CICA (creative, imaginative, curious and aspirational) in every area.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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