In a resounding show of support, Labour’s Bev Craig has secured the Greater Manchester mayoralty, defeating Reform UK by a significant margin of 66.3% to 33.7% in the byelection held on 31 July 2026. This victory marks a pivotal moment for Labour as it seeks to reclaim lost ground in a region that has seen a surge in support for Reform UK and the Greens in recent elections.
A Shift in Political Landscape
Craig, who previously served as the leader of Manchester City Council, will take over from Andy Burnham, whose tenure has been marked by strong leadership within the city. In the first round of voting, Labour garnered 47% of the first-preference votes, while Reform UK trailed with 21%. The Green Party secured 12%, indicating a fragmented political landscape. As the byelection proceeded under a supplementary vote system, Craig’s campaign managed to consolidate support, leading to a dramatic increase in her overall share once second preferences were considered.
In her victory address delivered at Co-op Live in Manchester, Craig called for a united approach to politics, urging citizens to “move away from divisive politics that try to pit neighbour against neighbour.” This sentiment resonates strongly in a region that has recently been politically polarised.
Implications for National Politics
Craig’s victory is not merely a local triumph but a significant boost for Labour at a national level. It signals a potential revival for the party under the leadership of the new Prime Minister, suggesting that Labour can appeal to both left and right-leaning voters who previously distanced themselves from the party during Keir Starmer’s leadership. The results come as a considerable setback for Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, which has seen its once substantial lead in national polls evaporate.
In the last elections, Reform UK had achieved remarkable victories, capturing over 100 seats across Greater Manchester, including a dominant performance in Wigan and Tameside, areas historically aligned with Labour. However, Farage’s decision to step down as an MP and pursue a byelection in Clacton has severely impacted the party’s momentum, casting doubt on its future viability.
Labour’s Resounding Success Across Boroughs
The results from the byelection reflect a comprehensive victory for Labour, with sources indicating that the party won in every ward across Bury, Tameside, and most of Trafford—regions where Reform UK and the Greens had previously made significant inroads. Notably, in Oldham, where Reform UK had recently gained a substantial foothold, Labour reclaimed 17 out of the 20 wards in this contest.
One senior Labour official remarked that the outcome indicates a “massive underperformance” from Reform UK, attributing the result to Burnham’s transition to Prime Minister, which has seemingly restored confidence among voters to back Labour once more.
Greens Face Disappointment
For the Green Party, the byelection was less than favourable. Geraldine Coggins, the Green candidate, expressed disappointment despite a campaign that had initially shown promise under new leadership. She noted that the result was “not a ringing endorsement” for Craig, highlighting that Burnham consistently achieved over 60% in his previous elections.
Coggins remarked, “The fact this has even gone to the second round is devastating for them. To have lost this much support in the honeymoon period of a new prime minister is not a positive sign for them.” This reflects the challenges the Greens face in maintaining momentum in a rapidly shifting political landscape.
Why it Matters
The outcome of the Greater Manchester mayoral byelection is a critical moment for Labour, signalling a potential recovery from recent electoral setbacks and a re-establishment of its influence in historically strong areas. Craig’s victory not only rejuvenates the party’s local standing but also poses significant questions for Reform UK’s future and its ability to sustain its support base amid increasing scrutiny. As the political climate continues to evolve, this byelection serves as a barometer for voter sentiment, foreshadowing potential shifts in the broader national political narrative.