Overview
- The result was declared late on Friday after a second-round count under the reinstated supplementary vote system, with Craig finishing on 309,525 votes and Reform UK’s Sian Astley on 157,178.
- No candidate won more than 50% of first-preference votes so second preferences from five eliminated candidates were added to decide the contest under the SV method.
- Turnout was historically low at about 25.14% with 538,659 ballots cast from an electorate of more than two million, raising fresh concerns about voter engagement.
- Craig must vacate her Manchester council leadership and Burnage council seat, which will trigger a local by-election, and she will assume regional responsibility for transport, policing and housing.
- The victory preserves Labour’s hold on Greater Manchester in the biggest UK by-election and comes as the new Burnham government signals more devolution, including proposals to let mayors retain a share of local tax revenue.