Elections Act 2022
2022 Act that had moved English mayoral elections to First Past the Post before its reversal in 2026.
The Elections Act 2022 moved English mayoral contests to First Past the Post; the 2026 Devolution Act reversed that from 18 June, restoring the transfer system used to decide Greater Manchester's 30 July mayoralty.
Last refreshed: 3 August 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
What voting system did the Elections Act 2022 replace, and why was it reversed?
Timeline for Elections Act 2022
Craig wins Manchester in its first second round
UK Local Elections 2026How English mayors got the transfer vote back
UK Local Elections 2026Background
The Elections Act 2022 moved English mayoral and Police and Crime Commissioner elections from the Supplementary Vote to First past the post, under which the leading candidate wins even on well under half the vote.
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 reversed this for contests noticed on or after 18 June 2026, restoring the Supplementary Vote in time for Greater Manchester's 30 July mayoral by-election, which needed a second round to settle a winner for the first time in the mayoralty's history.
The 2022 Act's four years in force cover every English mayoral and police-commissioner contest held between its commencement and the 2026 reversal, a period in which a winning candidate needed only the largest single share of first preferences rather than a majority once transfers were counted.
What did the Elections Act 2022 change for mayoral elections?
What did the Elections Act 2022 do to mayoral elections?
Is the Elections Act 2022's voting system still used for mayors?
What replaced the Elections Act 2022's system for electing mayors?
