Bev Craig
Labour and Co-operative politician elected Mayor of Greater Manchester in 2026.
On 30 July 2026, Bev Craig won the Greater Manchester mayoralty after its first second-round count, then launched a £20m high-streets fund on 10 August.
Last refreshed: 7 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Bev Craig led by 26 points; why did the contest still need a second round?
Timeline for Bev Craig
Mentioned in: Labour takes Hirst and Amble from Reform
UK Local Elections 2026Launched a £20 million Good Growth High Streets Fund
UK Local Elections 2026: Craig puts £20m into high streetsWon Greater Manchester's mayoralty after second-round transfers
UK Local Elections 2026: Craig wins Manchester in its first second roundBackground
Bev Craig is a Labour and Co-operative politician who became Mayor of Greater Manchester on 30 July 2026. The office leads the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, giving her a regional platform over devolved local policy.
Before becoming mayor, Craig led Manchester City Council. Her remit now spans transport spending, Mayoral Development Corporations, the Fire and Rescue budget and policing powers over Greater Manchester Police.
Craig's election was the first Greater Manchester mayoral contest to require a second count under the restored Supplementary Vote system. That result frames her initial mandate as both a Labour win and a test of how the revived voting system works in a major English city region.
Craig secures Greater Manchester mayoralty
On 30 July, Craig won Greater Manchester's mayoralty after taking 47.1% of first preferences, short of an outright majority. Her share rose to 66.3% after second preferences transferred, defeating Reform UK's Sian Astley in the region's first mayoral second round.
On 10 August, Craig used her economic development remit to launch the £20m Good Growth High Streets Fund in Middleton. The fund and its taskforce gave her an early policy vehicle distinct from the region's transport budget, with business and community bids due later in 2026.
Who is Bev Craig?
How many votes did Bev Craig get in the Greater Manchester mayoral election?
When does Bev Craig's term as Mayor of Greater Manchester end?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 7 October 2026. Editorial standards.