{"id":24136,"date":"2026-07-09T20:10:40","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T19:10:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/satellite.mmu.ac.uk\/northernquota-old\/?p=24136"},"modified":"2026-07-09T21:04:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T20:04:15","slug":"mayoral-elections-who-are-your-candidates-and-what-do-they-stand-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/satellite.mmu.ac.uk\/northernquota-old\/mayoral-elections-who-are-your-candidates-and-what-do-they-stand-for\/","title":{"rendered":"Mayoral elections: who are your candidates, and what do they stand for?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Tax freezes, immigration, and regional transport overhauls were all on the agenda this week as six candidates went head to head to be named Manchester\u2019s next mayor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the city\u2019s first mayoral hustings kicked off yesterday at Stoller Hall yesterday (8 July), voters of all colours were invited to put their questions to the city\u2019s leadership hopefuls, just three weeks before the election on 30 July.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It comes as previous mayor Andy Burnham storms through Labour\u2019s leadership nominations to become the UK\u2019s next prime minister, just weeks after a sweeping victory in Makerfield\u2019s by-election.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those in the running include the Conservative Party\u2019s Phil Eckersley; the Liberal Democrats\u2019 Richard Kilpatrick; Reform UK\u2019s Sian Astley; the Green Party\u2019s Geraldine Coggins; Restore Britain\u2019s Marlon West; independent candidate Marcus Farmer; and the Labour Party\u2019s Bev Craig, who currently leads Manchester City Council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marcus Farmer was not present at the hustings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the course of two hours, the candidates answered questions from the public on major issues such as housing, finances, transport, and social issues. Their key points are outlined below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Labour Party: Bev Craig<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cI’m proud of what we’re building here in Greater Manchester. I’ve worked alongside Andy Burnham to try and turn this place around, and I want to continue that path, but I want to go further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEvery single decision that I make is to make life better for ordinary people across our city region. And that means more money in families\u2019 pockets, like with the free bus passes I’ve already announced for 11 to 18 year olds; a home everyone can afford, with 50,000 new social council and affordable homes; and restoring pride in our towns and high streets and making sure that no young person is left behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Bev
Councillor Bev Craig | Image credit: Manchester City Council <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI stand on a track record of delivery, and I want to deliver for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among Craig\u2019s biggest policies is stronger investment in the outer regions of Greater Manchester, including Oldham and Rochdale. She plans to divert \u00a3180 million from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority\u2019s (GMCA\u2019s) Good Growth Fund<\/a> \u2013 which finances projects related to transport, housing, and infrastructure \u2013 away from the city centre.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On housing, Craig plans to build up to 50,000 affordable homes across Greater Manchester, 10,000 of which will be completed before 2032. She says there will be an emphasis on local contractors, and that she would be willing to take action against workers who don\u2019t stick to affordable housing contracts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On business, Craig plans to make local businesses a priority over multinational corporations in regards to where the GMCA spends money. The Good Employment Charter<\/a> will be expanded, and she will encourage business rates holidays for employers to make it more affordable to hire young people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In answer to questions on immigration and transgender rights, Craig said the role of mayor is not to be in charge of immigration, but to keep communities together. She says she\u2019s fought equally for women\u2019s rights and LGBTQ+ rights, with particular note to the Women\u2019s Night-time Safety Charter<\/a>, but that she \u201cwill not pit minority against minority\u201d in this election.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reform UK: Sian Astley<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cI came to Manchester as a student. I set up a business with the Prince’s Trust Grant back in 1996, so I\u2019ve been a business owner here for 30 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have been a Labour voter in the past, but I feel that for many reasons, Labour isn\u2019t the party for me, so Reform UK is my choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am a positive person. I am a fixer. I’m a builder. I’m not a wrecking ball here to come into the GMCA and blow up what’s brilliant. But I would ask for you to consider me as your future mayor.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Sian
Sian Astley | Image credit: Reform UK<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Astley\u2019s biggest policies relate to supporting lower-income families. If elected, she plans to introduce childcare hubs in towns across Greater Manchester to ease the burden on working families. An integrated transport plan and a freeze on mayoral taxes will also contribute to easing the cost of living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On regional equality, Astley describes the current model of Pride in Place funding as \u201ca postcode lottery\u201d. She would instead see an equal distribution of money to each region, which will be invested into improving local transport and infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On housing, she plans to crack down harder on \u2018rogue landlords\u2019, and think it\u2019s wrong that tenants experiencing problems are driven to take costly legal action to see results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In answer to questions on immigration and transgender rights, Astley says the grooming gangs inquiry is of particular importance to work on. She says she is in support of \u201cgood immigration\u201d, and that Manchester is built on \u201cfantastic\u201d immigrants who were proud to work for the country. She also believes in stronger border control, and that there are \u201ctoo many people\u201d in Manchester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regarding transgender rights, she is in broad support of the Supreme Court\u2019s gender ruling, but believes it\u2019s important for minorities to feel safe. She plans to fund more public unisex toilets and changing rooms to achieve this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Green Party: Geraldine Coggins<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cFor too long we’ve been told to lower our expectations. Knocking on doors for over a decade, I know that people here have lost hope, and this election is about us taking Greater Manchester back from big money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI’ve spent eight years as a councillor fighting the old establishment of parties. We don’t need more of the same, Labour pandering to big developers in the city centre, leaving our towns behind and refusing to call out the genocide in Gaza.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Geraldine
Geraldine Coggins | Image credit: Trafford Green Party<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe don’t want Reform to divide us. I’ve only two vested interests: our people and our planet. It’s time for real change.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coggins\u2019 biggest policy is the introduction of 20,000 affordable homes across Greater Manchester,  10,000 of which will be made from retrofitted, unused properties. These homes will be sold at housing benefit prices, meaning they will be affordable for lower income households.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regarding transport, Coggins plans to introduce an orbital bus system around the boroughs of Greater Manchester. Commuters who need to travel to the city centre to reach another borough will have more direct bus services provided. Under-22s will also benefit from a free bus pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regarding business, Coggins will introduce an \u2018Empty Shops Team\u2019 which will have the skills, tools, and funding to support local high streets and business owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In response to questions on immigration and transgender rights, Coggins said a lack of housing and long NHS waiting lists is down to austerity, and not immigration. She calls instead for a \u201cpassionate and humane\u201d approach to migration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regarding transgender people, she says she is proud to put women\u2019s issues \u201cat the centre\u201d of her politics, but that she \u201cstands 100% with trans people\u201d. She says there is no risk or threat posed by transgender people, and that services that benefit transgender people will benefit everyone. As such, she plans to improve local health systems and public services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Liberal Democrats: Richard Filpatrick<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cI\u2019ll focus on the things that matter most to you. Affordable living, reliable buses and trams, safe communities, decent homes, good jobs, support for carers, and cleaner air. Not Westminster politics, not games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cToo many people feel let down by the institutions that are meant to serve them. And I believe we can rebuild that trust through practical leadership, honesty, and by delivering real results people care about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Richard
Richard Kilpatrick | Image credit: Liberal Democrats<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis election is about putting Greater Manchester first. That’s the leadership I’m offering in mind, and I’ll be honoured to have your support.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Filpatrick\u2019s biggest policies focus on improving local services, particularly regarding access and funding for social care. He plans to expand mayoral development companies \u2013 as has been successful in Stockport\u2019s regeneration \u2013 to all other boroughs of Greater Manchester, and introduce formal plans to regenerate both town centres and housing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Filpatrick also plans to increase training opportunities for students both in AI and technical jobs, with apprenticeships being more accessible and encouraged among employers. He also plans to take the lowest income households in Greater Manchester out of paying council tax to reduce financial pressures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In response to questions on immigration and transgender rights, Filpatrick said he believes diversity is one of Manchester\u2019s strongest qualities, and that as mayor, he would allow asylum seekers to work. He does not think the Supreme Court\u2019s gender ruling is \u201cfit for purpose\u201d, and says that while violence against women and girls is important, it should not be merged with transgender issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conservative Party: Phil Eckersley<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cI was born in Ashton-under-Lyne and I grew up between Droylsden and Oldham. I’ve also spent part of my life living on a council estate, which helped to build me into the person who I am today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI went to the University of Manchester. I was fortunate to be able to be able to go at that university and I set up my business in Wigan back in 2010. My business is a social care company, supporting people who want to live with hope for as long as possible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Phil
Phil Eckersley | Image credit: Trafford Council<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI now live in Trafford with my wife and daughter, and I’m standing here as your future mayor to tell you that I am passionate about Greater Manchester.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eckersley\u2019s biggest policy is to introduce an \u201copen book system\u201d  for the GMCA, making financial information and other decision processes more visible to the public. He plans to freeze mayoral tax, and lower business rates for high street business and small medium enterprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On transport, Eckersley plans to introduce an orbital bus system around the boroughs of Greater Manchester. Commuters who need to travel to the city centre to reach another borough will have more direct bus services provided so they will be able to get more jobs. He is also strongly against congestion charges for commuters, and plans to see more roads fixed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regarding housing, he plans to ensure that any affordable housing will be built on brownfield sites, instead of greenfield. He is also willing to repurpose unused offices and properties into affordable homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In response to questions surrounding immigration and transgender rights, he said that people who legally immigrate to Manchester deserve to have comfortable and affordable housing, and that he is firm believer in the Supreme Court\u2019s gender ruling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Restore Britain: Marlon West<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cMy name is Marlon West. I was born here, raised here, schooled here. I even went to Manchester University myself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI’ve worked for the NHS for 30 years within Greater Manchester. I used to be just like you, watching from the sidelines. Then my entire world was destroyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy daughter was groomed, trafficked, and raped at the age of 14. The police told me to stop reporting it. Social services blamed me for it. I fought those institutes that destroyed my world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Marlon
Marlon Scott West | Image credit: Restore Britain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFrom the police to social services, every institute that should have protected my daughter failed. They don’t answer to the people anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

West\u2019s biggest policy is to \u201cmake Manchester safe again\u201d, and to focus more on the grooming gangs inquiry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regarding regional issues, he wants more attention to be paid to boroughs outside of the city centre, and plans to put hubs into each town centre to collect data on the issues affecting different local communities. He also plans to repurpose empty properties to fix housing shortages, and made particular reference to empty houses in Hattersley, Tameside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regarding education, he wants apprenticeships to be more accessible for young people. He is in favour of lowering childcare costs and providing free breakfasts to all primary school children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In response to questions on immigration and transgender rights, he says he believes the only way forward to protect women and girls is “mass deportation”. He says he “will continue to support women, girls, and even men, but not trans”. \u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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