Labour holds Greater Manchester as Bev Craig succeeds Burnham

Labour's Bev Craig has won the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election, called after Andy Burnham's departure from the role. The Guardian reports a decisive victory; The Independent describes it as dominant over Reform UK.

The by-election filled the vacancy left when Burnham stepped down. Multiple outlets carried the result - Craig secured the mayoralty for Labour in what the FT described as holding the seat. Reform UK stood as the main challenger but finished second.

The result confirms Labour's hold on the combined authority structure introduced under the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act. Greater Manchester was among the first authorities to receive devolved powers and an elected mayor. The model has since spread - the same mayoralties now control planning, transport and billions in regional budgets. Craig inherits those powers in full.

Burnham had held the seat since the role was created. His departure mid-term triggered the by-election under the usual succession rules. Craig now serves the remainder of the term until the next scheduled election.