Summary
Votes were counted across Greater Manchester's ten districts on July 31, with Craig securing 309,525 first and second preference votes from 538,659 verified ballot papers. Turnout was 25.14%. The Mayor of Greater Manchester leads the Combined Authority, bringing together the ten council leaders to oversee transport, housing, planning, fire and rescue services, and policing.
The role now includes unprecedented financial powers, with the government announcing that Greater Manchester's mayor will receive a share of income tax revenues for the first time. This gives the region greater control over decisions affecting jobs, transport, housing and public services.
Business leaders have welcomed the election and devolved powers. Select Property's Adam Price said devolution has supported Manchester's property market investment and regeneration schemes. Tim Heatley, chair of the Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity, said Craig understands the region and expressed enthusiasm for working with her on homelessness and affordable housing.
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Common questions
- What is this article about?
- Bev Craig has been elected Mayor of Greater Manchester after securing 309,525 votes in the July 31 election across the city region's ten districts. The role gives the mayor control over transport spending, housing and planning, fire services, and policing budgets, plus a new share of income tax revenues.
- When was this published?
- This article was published on 2 August 2026.
- Who published this article?
- This article was published by Business Manchester.