UK Reform

The Labour Party has maintained its grip on Greater Manchester’s highest political office after Beverley Anne Craig emerged victorious in the region's mayoral election, taking over the position vacated by Andy Burnham. Craig, who has served as the leader of Manchester City Council and represents the Burnage ward, was declared the winner late on Friday, July 31st, following a tightly contested secondary vote count. The election was necessitated by the departure of Burnham, who gave up the mayoralty to become the MP for Makerfield before subsequently becoming Prime Minister. How the Election Was Decided Under the supplementary vote system used for the election, voters indicated both a primary and secondary candidate preference. Because no contender succeeded in gathering over 50 percent of the first-preference votes, the election proceeded to a second round. Ms. Craig ultimately defeated Reform UK’s Sian Astley, who finished in second place. The remaining five contenders—indepen...