Who wants to replace Andy Burnham? The seven candidates standing to become Greater Manchester’s next Mayor

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Who wants to replace Andy Burnham? The seven candidates standing to become Greater Manchester’s next Mayor

Voters across Greater Manchester will head to the polls on Thursday 30 July to elect a new Mayor of Greater Manchester, in for what is the second election in as many months for people in the Makerfield constituency of Wigan.

The mayoral election follows Andy Burnham’s election as MP for Makerfield in June, which automatically brought his time as mayor to an end. Burnham has since become Prime Minister, but it was his return to Parliament that triggered the contest.

Seven candidates are standing to replace him, with the winner taking over one of the most powerful elected positions outside Westminster.

What does the Mayor of Greater Manchester actually do?

Unlike local councils, which are responsible for services such as bin collections, planning and social care, the Mayor of Greater Manchester looks after issues that affect the region as a whole.

That includes overseeing Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, setting the direction for the Bee Network, managing billions of pounds of investment and regeneration funding, supporting housing and economic growth, and controlling the region’s adult education budget.

The mayor also represents Greater Manchester when negotiating with central government and businesses on funding and major projects.

The candidates

The candidates are listed below in alphabetical order by surname. Their position on the ballot paper may differ.

Sian Astley (Reform UK)

Manchester councillor and businesswoman Sian Astley is Reform UK’s candidate for Mayor of Greater Manchester.

She says Greater Manchester needs a different approach, with a focus on reducing bureaucracy, cutting waste, improving transport and making the Greater Manchester Combined Authority more accountable to taxpayers.

Bev Craig (Labour)

Bev Craig has been Leader of Manchester City Council since 2021 and is Labour’s candidate to replace Andy Burnham.

Her campaign focuses on continuing the expansion of the Bee Network, delivering more affordable homes, attracting investment into Greater Manchester and creating better-paid jobs.

Geraldine Coggins (Green Party)

Trafford councillor Geraldine Coggins is standing for the Green Party.

She is campaigning for faster action on climate change, better public transport, investment in green industries and stronger protection for green spaces across Greater Manchester.

Phil Eckersley (Conservative)

Trafford councillor Phil Eckersley is the Conservative candidate.

He says his priorities are tackling crime, supporting businesses, improving transport and making sure public money is spent effectively.

Marcus Jonathan Farmer (Independent)

Marcus Jonathan Farmer is the only independent candidate in the election.

Having previously stood for mayor, he says he wants to offer voters an alternative to party politics, with a focus on local decision-making and economic opportunity.

Richard Kilpatrick (Liberal Democrats)

Former teacher and Didsbury West councillor Richard Kilpatrick is standing for the Liberal Democrats.

His campaign focuses on improving public transport, strengthening neighbourhood policing, supporting social care and giving communities a stronger voice in regional decision-making.

Marlon Scott West (Restore Britain)

Former mental health nurse Marlon Scott West is standing for Restore Britain.

West says his decision to enter politics was driven by his family’s experience after his daughter became a victim of child sexual exploitation. His campaign places a strong emphasis on tackling grooming gangs, alongside pledges to reform public services, improve transport and attract more investment into Greater Manchester.