Image showing the local elections for Greater Manchester as 2 May. One date. Two elections. Local elections and Greater Manchester Combined Authority Mayoral election.
Greater Manchester Combined Authority The Mayor

Who will you choose to represent you as Mayor of Greater Manchester?


In just one week, voters across Greater Manchester take to the polls to elect the Mayor for Greater Manchester. The Mayor is an important figure in the political life of the city-region, entrusted with unique powers and responsibilities.

This is the third Mayoral Election in Greater Manchester. Previous elections were held in 2021 and 2017.

Ahead of polling day, Thursday 2 May, voters are being urged to check the details on their polling cards, including the location of their polling station. Voters can only vote at the polling station listed on their poll card, so should check these details before Thursday to ensure they know where to go.

Voters will also need to show a valid form of photo ID at the polling station. Valid Voter ID includes a passport, driving licence, some types of bus pass or proof of age card, and a full list is available here and on poll cards. ID can be out of date, as long as it is still a good likeness. Voters can also show a valid Voter Authority Certificate if they have applied for one.  

For the first time, people will be voting for one candidate only for the Mayor of Greater Manchester (and the same in Salford’s City Mayor election). This follows a change in the law to end Supplementary Voting in Mayoral Elections. Voters are encouraged to read the instructions carefully at the top of the ballot paper.  

All polling stations in Greater Manchester will be open between 7am and 10pm .

People do not need to take their poll cards with them to vote, but doing so may save time when polling station staff check voters’ details on the electoral register.

Postal voters are also encouraged to return their completed postal votes as soon as possible, using the envelope provided. The postage has already been paid. 

While the deadline to apply for a postal or proxy vote has passed, there are limited circumstances in which registered electors can appoint an emergency proxy. Residents should contact their local Elections Office for more information.

Eamonn Boylan, Combined Authority Returning Officer for the GMCA Mayoral Election, said: 

“Voters across Greater Manchester have an important decision to make – who do you want to represent you as Mayor of Greater Manchester?

“With just one week left before these elections take place, we want to remind residents across Greater Manchester to check the details of their polling stations and to remember to take an accepted form of Voter ID with them when they go to vote.

“Staff are working hard right across our city-region hard to make election day a smooth experience, and help residents have their say on who makes the big decisions and sets the priorities for Greater Manchester.”

This year residents across Greater Manchester will be voting in up to three elections, for:

  • The Mayor for Greater Manchester Combined Authority. The Mayor is a major figure in the political life of the city-region, with unique powers and responsibilities. This includes setting budgets and priorities for Greater Manchester’s public services including transport, housing and planning, the fire and rescue service, Police and Crime Commissioner responsibilities, and acting as an ambassador for the city-region.
  • Councillors. Councillors are elected to represent their local area and residents, and contribute to the development of local policies in areas such as social care, housing, planning, highways, and education.
  • The Salford City Mayor. Residents in Salford will elect the City Mayor, who is Salford’s political, strategic and community leader and has overall responsibility for the delivery of all council services.

A total of six candidates are standing in the third election for the Mayor for Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

The full list of candidates, official notices, and other information can be found at www.gmelects.org.uk.

The candidates standing in the election for the Mayor for Greater Manchester Combined Authority, appearing on ballot papers in alphabetical order by surname, are:

  • AUSTIN, Jake (Liberal Democrats)
  • BARKER, Dan (Reform UK)
  • BUCKLEY, Nick (Independent)
  • BURNHAM, Andy (Labour and Co-operative)
  • EVANS, Laura (The Conservative Party Candidate)
  • SPENCER, Hannah Kathrine (Green Party).

More information about the elections taking place in Greater Manchester can be found at www.gmelects.org.uk (opens link in new window).

Follow updates about the Greater Manchester Mayoral election on:

Twitter: @GMElects (opens link in new window)

Facebook: www.facebook.com/gmelects (opens link in new window)​

Article Published: 25/04/2024 09:50 AM