Labour’s Bev Craig is poised to clinch the Mayor of Greater Manchester title following the largest by-election in British history.
Ms. Craig is the frontrunner to take over from Andy Burnham, who left his position to become the MP for Makerfield last month. The new Prime Minister has established a No10 office in Manchester, signaling the shifting political landscape in the region.
Initially, Reform UK was seen as a formidable contender for the prestigious mayoral role, which is gaining more influence as power is decentralized from Westminster by Mr. Burnham. However, activists reportedly shifted focus to Clacton, where Nigel Farage is engaged in a challenging battle with Count Binface after triggering a by-election.
Recent national polls have shown Labour surpassing Mr. Farage’s party for the first time in over a year, highlighting Reform’s mounting challenges.
Lucy Powell, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, noted that voters are reconsidering the party, praising the positive campaign efforts in Greater Manchester.
As the polls closed, Powell emphasized the proactive campaign led by Bev Craig and the Labour team, focusing on progressing the city-region and ensuring shared success for all. The campaign highlighted initiatives like free youth bus services, increased social housing, and job creation, resonating with the electorate.
While Bev Craig remains the favorite candidate for Greater Manchester’s mayoral post, Reform and the Green Party are actively promoting their potential in the race.
Today marks the announcement of Greater Manchester’s next mayor in Labour’s first electoral challenge since Burnham’s departure to Number 10.
Over two million eligible voters from the region, encompassing Manchester and surrounding areas like Rochdale, Bury, Stockport, Wigan, and Bolton, participated in the election.
The vote count is scheduled to commence at the Co Op Arena at 9 am, with official results expected later in the day, likely in the early afternoon. Early indications of the region’s voting trends are anticipated before the official results are released.
In a separate incident, a café owner from Hastings, Barry Ashley, faced backlash from a Reform council leader for providing free meals to underprivileged children after the removal of food vouchers by the East Sussex County Council. The council’s decision not to continue the voucher program led to public criticism, prompting community support for Ashley’s initiative to offer free meals at his not-for-profit cafe.
Local businesses have contributed to the cause, with Ashley mentioning that over 70 free meals are served daily. Labour MP Helena Dollimore has launched a petition demanding the reinstatement of meal vouchers, denouncing the council’s actions as endangering children.
Ashley criticized the council’s actions, emphasizing the vulnerability of children in poverty and the necessity of appropriate support measures.
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Image caption: Barry Ashley has been providing free meals for kids after school holiday meal vouchers were withdrawn (Image: STEVE FINN PHOTOGRAPHY)
