The Greens have named Geraldine Coggins as their candidate, framing the race as a contest between Greens and Reform UK.

There is scepticism within and outside Labour that another Labour candidate could replicate Burnham’s popularity, affecting Labour’s chances.

Bev Craig, the leader of Manchester City Council and deputy mayor for economy, business and inclusive growth on the Greater Manchester combined authority, was chosen by Labour as their candidate to succeed Andy Burnham as mayor of Greater Manchester.

Craig, 41, rose within Labour, taking the Manchester city council leadership in 2021 at 36 and becoming its first woman to hold the post in four decades.

Labour highlights Craig’s experience in attracting international investment and overseeing affordable housing construction in Manchester as key qualifications for the mayoralty.

The Greens and Reform UK see potential paths to the top two depending on first and second preferences, shaping coalition dynamics in the race.

Reform UK views the mayoral contest as winnable and aims to build on recent by-election performances, while Restore Britain emerges as a rival far-right option.

Marlon West is rumored as a potential Restore Britain candidate, with ties to anti-child exploitation advocacy; other Restore Britain candidates include Dan Barker or Sian Astley, reflecting a varied field.

The article outlines the broader electoral landscape, including past by-election results in Gorton and Denton, Makerfield, and the strategic pressures on Reform and other parties to perform well in this regional election.

The election could attract up to 2 million voters and is described as the biggest mayoral by-election in modern British politics.

Two other candidates have been announced for the mayoral race: Geraldine Coggins (Green Party) and Marlon West (Restore Britain).

The Greens are targeting the race with Geraldine Coggins as their candidate, arguing Burnham’s personal brand boosts Labour but may not transfer to a successor.