Openly lesbian Belfast-born Labour politician Bev Craig has been elected as the new Mayor of Greater Manchester, succeeding Andy Burnham following his move to Westminster to become UK Prime Minister.
Craig secured the position, defeating Reform UK’s Sian Astley after second-preference votes were counted. She finished with 309,525 votes to Astley’s 157,178.
The by-election was triggered after Burnham stood down as mayor following his election as MP for Makerfield in June. He became Prime Minister on July 20, ending his long tenure leading Greater Manchester.
Craig entered as Labour’s candidate after serving as Deputy Mayor for Economy, Business and Inclusive Growth at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
Before that, she made history as Manchester’s first woman and first openly gay leader of Manchester City Council, a role she has held since 2021.
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Her election marks another milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in British politics. Throughout her political career, Bev Craig has spoken openly about the importance of ensuring Greater Manchester is a welcoming and safe place for LGBTQ+ communities, particularly following a number of suspected hate attacks across the region.
Speaking after her victory, Craig pledged to put residents at the centre of every decision she makes as mayor. She said: “[I] set myself a simple task… That every single decision I take, as your Mayor of Greater Manchester, will pass the test of making your life better.”
Craig also celebrated Greater Manchester’s history of social change, highlighting the region’s legacy of campaigning for equality.
She said the city region that gave the world the Suffragettes had “changed the world” and would do so again in the future.
Closing her victory speech, she promised: “I will defend this city region with every bone in my body and I will fight for a better life for all of us.”
Craig now takes charge of one of England’s most powerful mayoral positions, overseeing transport, policing, housing, economic development and regional growth.
For many LGBTQ+ people across Greater Manchester, her election also represents continued visible representation at the highest levels of local government, with Craig having consistently championed equality and inclusion throughout her time in public office.
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