The first woman to lead Greater Manchester breaks political glass ceilings
In short: From a social housing estate in Belfast to the mayoral office, Bev Craig has shattered multiple barriers. Her ascent represents a landmark change for regional politics, prioritising social cohesion and housing as the council's first female and openly LGBTQ+ leader.
Born in Belfast in 1985 and raised in a Unionist, Ulster Protestant family, Bev Craig's political journey is rooted in her experience growing up in social housing. This background has shaped her administration's focus on housing and regeneration, specifically her ambition to deliver 50,000 council and genuinely affordable homes. Her strategy includes a target of 10,000 new social homes by May 2028, utilizing a public-sector land bank to prioritize affordability over private development.
Craig's ascent through Manchester's political ranks began in 2011 when she was elected as a councillor for Burnage. She held various roles, including Executive Member for Adult Services, Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion from 2017 to 2021. This role followed the retirement of Sir Richard Leese, who had led the council since 1996.
The 2026 mayoral by-election marked a significant transition for the region. Following the disqualification of Andy Burnham after his election as an MP, Craig ran as the Labour and Co-operative Party candidate. She won the seat on 30 July 2026, defeating Reform UK's Sian Astley in a final-round vote of 66.3 per cent to 33.7 per cent. In her mayoral role, she became the Greater Manchester Combined Authority's first female head and the UK's second openly gay metro mayor, after Andy Street.
Beyond housing, Craig's agenda emphasizes economic growth, transport, and policing. She has pledged to maintain affordable public-transport fares and expand the Bee Network, while also seeking closer cooperation between Greater Manchester Police and local councils to combat antisocial behaviour.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Bev Craig
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