Area of Manchester at the heart of recent political shifts
The by-election to replace Andy Burnham as Greater Manchester’s mayor has become the region’s largest electoral test yet. Bev Craig, Manchester City Council’s leader, is seen as Labour’s likely winner in the second round, aided by a Burnham-backed national mood. Reform UK and the Greens are contesting second place, while turnout and local dynamics shape the outcome.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage faces a standards inquiry over a £5m gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne and questions about lobbying the Bank of England for crypto interests. The investigation follows a string of donor-related and financial disclosures that have unsettled the party and shifted public perception.
Andy Burnham is moving toward Westminster with plans to devolve power and shift growth to every postcode. Labour factions debate welfare, devolution and the economy as unions shape the policy landscape ahead of a potential premiership.