Greater Manchester Mayoral Election 2024: Candidates, polling day and what you need to know before voting

Residents of Greater Manchester are getting ready to go to the polls to decide who will be the next mayor of the city-region. Polling day is Thursday, May 2 with all boroughs voting in local council elections as well.

The upcoming Mayor of Greater Manchester election will be only the third in history. The first took place in 2017, and the second in 2021. Incumbent Labour’s Andy Burnham is seeking a third term in office, and in 2021 he received over 67% of the votes. Ahead of polling day, we’ve rounded up some of the key pieces of information residents need to know before going out to vote.

When are polls open?

Polls across the region will be open from 7am to 10pm. 

Do I need any ID to vote on May 2? 

Since 2023, it has been a national requirement to show photo ID when voting. A full list of acceptable types of photo ID can be found on the Electoral Commission website. 

What happens if I don’t have a photo ID? 

If you don’t have a photo ID, or if the ID you have no longer looks like you, then you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. You can also do this through the UK government website. 

What power does the Mayor of Greater Manchester have? 

The position of Mayor of Greater Manchester has power over a range of issues. Incumbent Andy Burnham has overseen the introduction of the Bee Network, as transport is one policy area under the jurisdiction of the mayor. Other powers the mayor has include waste management, housing and health. Economy and innovation also come under the mayor’s remit.

Who are the candidates in the Greater Manchester Mayoral Election?

Six candidates have been announced to be running in the mayoral election on May 2, including incumbent Andy Burnham.

• Jake Austin- Liberal Democrats
• Dan Barker- Reform UK
• Nick Buckley- Independent
• Andy Burnham- Labour Party
• Laura Evans- Conservative Party
• Hannah Spencer- Green Party 

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.”

Returning Officer for Manchester Joanne Roney CBE said: “While this is not the first election to take place under new national photo ID rules, we know people are still getting used to them. I’d urge anyone going to a polling station to make sure they take the correct photo ID with them.  

“I know a lot of people choose to vote by post rather than at polling stations and I’d also encourage anyone who has a postal vote to make sure they handle it carefully, and don’t leave it too late to post. We don’t want anyone who is eligible to vote in these significant elections to miss out.”