Craig Wins Manchester Comfortably as Turnout Slumps
Labour’s Bev Craig won the Greater Manchester mayoralty comfortably, taking around two-thirds of the vote once second preferences were counted, but on a record-low turnout that took some of the shine off the result. Analysts said the “Burnham bounce” that had lifted Labour was real but modest, and that the low turnout carried an uncomfortable message for the party. Reform UK’s Sian Astley finished second.
The scale of Ms Craig’s win, in a region Andy Burnham dominated for eight years, showed Labour’s machine still working in its heartlands; the paltry turnout suggested its voters are far from enthused. Reform, though beaten, will take heart from reaching the final round and from the apathy on the Labour side. For the new Prime Minister, the result is a reassuring start rather than a triumph, and a reminder that his early popularity has yet to translate into deep enthusiasm. Ms Craig inherits sweeping powers over transport, housing and policing. Watch whether Labour can turn a comfortable win into genuine momentum.