The political landscape of the UK has been pretty turbulent recently to say the least, and it seems to have affected us here in Greater Manchester more than any other area of the country. Now, as a result, the candidates standing in the Greater Manchester Mayoral election have been confirmed.
When is the Greater Manchester Mayoral election?
The election will be on Thursday July 30th and voters are being encouraged to ensure they are registered to vote.
Which candidates are standing in the Greater Manchester Mayoral election?
Seven candidates will be on the ballot paper when voters across the city region go to the polls in the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Mayoral Election. Listed alphabetically by surname, as they will appear in the ballot paper, they are:
- ASTLEY, Sian Niamh (Reform UK)
- COGGINS, Geraldine (The Green Party)
- CRAIG, Bev (Labour and Co-operative Party)
- ECKERSLEY, Phil (The Conservative Party Candidate)
- FARMER, Marcus Jonathan (Independent)
- KILPATRICK, Richard Martin (Liberal Democrats)
- WEST, Marlon Scott (Restore Britain)
What does the Mayor of Greater Manchester do?
Residents across Greater Manchester will be voting for the new Mayor of Greater Manchester who 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, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Police and Crime Commissioner responsibilities, and acting as an ambassador for the city-region.
When is the deadline to register to vote?
The deadline for registering to vote is before midnight on Tuesday July 14th. It takes just five minutes to register to vote online. Those who are registered to vote but want to do so by post have until 5pm on Wednesday July 15th to apply for a postal vote.
You now need valid ID to vote
To vote, people must be on the electoral register and have a valid form of photo ID if they are voting in a polling station.
Valid voter ID can be a passport, a driving licence, some types of bus pass or a proof of age card. Your ID must be the original and not a photocopy or screenshot.
Expired ID can still be valid, as long as the photo still looks like you. Voters should check they have at least one form of ID on the list.
Without an accepted form of photo ID voters can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate and the deadline to apply for this is 5pm on Wednesday July 22nd.
You can cast your vote in one of three ways, in person (at the polling station shown on your poll card), by post, or by proxy (appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf).
The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Wednesday July 15th 2026.
The deadline for applying for a proxy vote is 5pm on Wednesday July 22nd 2026.
More information about the Greater Manchester Mayoral Election, including information about registering to vote and applying for a postal or proxy vote, and where to get help, can be found on GM Elects.
Key dates:
- Declaration of result: Friday July 31st 2026
- Deadline to register to vote: by midnight on Tuesday July 14th 2026
- Deadline to apply for a postal vote: 5pm on Wednesday July 15th 2026
- Deadline for to apply for free voter ID: 5pm on Wednesday July 22nd 2026
- Deadline for to apply for a proxy vote: 5pm on Wednesday July 22nd 2026
- Polling day 7am to 10pm: Thursday July 30th 2026
