Polling stations open across Greater Manchester for mayoral race triggered by Andy Burnham's resignation

At 07:00 BST polling stations across Greater Manchester opened for a mayoral election prompted by Andy Burnham's resignation after winning a parliamentary seat and being named prime minister. Voters will decide who will lead the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and serve as the city-region's mayor. Seven contenders—Sian Astley (Reform UK), Geraldine Coggins (Green Party), Bev Craig (Labour), Phil Eckersley (Conservative), Marcus Farmer (Independent), Richard Kilpatrick (Liberal Democrats) and Marlon West (Restore Britain)—are competing under the supplementary vote system.

If no candidate secures an outright majority, the top two will advance to a runoff where second-choice votes are reallocated. Polls close at 22:00 BST, and the final count is slated for Friday.