Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig has been selected as the Labour Party's candidate for the Greater Manchester mayoral election. Craig, who also serves as the deputy mayor for economy, business, and inclusive growth on the region's combined authority, will seek to succeed Andy Burnham. The mayoral by-election was triggered following Burnham's recent election as the Member of Parliament for Makerfield. The election is scheduled to take place on July 30.
Craig expressed her commitment to the region, stating, "Greater Manchester is a special place – from the Industrial Revolution, the trade union and co-operative movements and the suffragettes, this place has always fought for progress." She added, "This place changed my life and I owe it everything. It gave me opportunities I could never have imagined, and I've spent my career trying to give something back."
Marlon West of Restore Britain and Geraldine Coggins of the Green Party are among the other candidates who have confirmed their intention to stand in the contest.