Labour announces Manchester council boss as metro mayor candidate

The leader of Manchester City Council will be Labour's candidate to succeed Andy Burnham as mayor of Greater Manchester.

As well as leading the city council, Bev Craig is the deputy mayor for economy, business and inclusive growth on the region's combined authority.

She said: "Greater Manchester is a special place – from the Industrial Revolution, the trade union and co-operative movements and the suffragettes, this place has always fought for progress.

"This place changed my life and I owe it everything. It gave me opportunities I could never have imagined, and I've spent my career trying to give something back."

The by-election for a new metropolitan mayor was called after Burnham was elected as MP for Makerfield in last Thursday's by-election.

Other candidates who have confirmed their intention to stand in the contest – set to be held on July 30 – include, in alphabetical order:

Geraldine Coggins, who is standing for the Green Party

Marlon West, who is standing for Restore Britain

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