Manchester Votes for a Mayor to Replace Burnham
Voters in Greater Manchester go to the polls on Thursday to choose a successor to Andy Burnham as mayor, following his move to Downing Street. The by-election is an early test of the new Prime Minister’s standing and of Labour’s grip on a region Mr Burnham led for eight years. Turnout in the summer contest is expected to be low.
The mayoralty, one of the most powerful directly elected posts outside London, carries sway over transport, housing and policing across the city region. Mr Burnham built a national profile in the role, and the result will hint at whether his popularity transfers to his party or was personal to him. A strong showing for Reform, or a low Labour turnout, would unsettle a government enjoying an early polling boost. Results are expected on Friday. Watch the margin as a signal of the political mood beyond Westminster.