Who Is Greater Manchester’s New Mayor Bev Craig?

Bev Craig’s election as the new mayor of Greater Manchester comes at a time when the city region is still reeling from the aftermath of Andy Burnham’s departure. While Burnham’s tenure was marked by high-profile controversies and challenges, including the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and rising crime rates, Craig inherits a complex web of issues that require a nuanced approach.

Craig’s background and experience offer some promise for a fresh perspective on the region’s problems. Born in Belfast and raised on a council estate, she moved to Manchester at 18 to study politics and modern history at the University of Manchester. Her subsequent career in local government, higher education, and national trade unions has given her a deep understanding of public policy and service delivery.

However, Craig’s leadership during the pandemic raises questions about her willingness to take tough decisions. While she oversaw sustained economic growth in Manchester, critics have pointed out the lack of affordable housing in the city centre, a problem exacerbated by high-rise developments.

One area where Craig has shown initiative is in education. The recent rating of children’s services as “outstanding” by inspectors suggests that she may be willing to put in the hard work necessary to drive change. Nevertheless, crime and anti-social behaviour remain pressing concerns, particularly in areas like Piccadilly Gardens, which has been the site of repeated incidents of violence.

Craig’s campaign pledges offer some insight into her priorities for the city region. A freeze on Metrolink and bus fares, as well as the extension of free bus travel to 11-18 year-olds, are welcome commitments to reducing costs for commuters. Her promise to deliver 50,000 new homes in a mix of council properties and genuinely affordable housing over the next 15 years is ambitious but also raises questions about how she intends to address the region’s chronic shortage of affordable housing.

The challenges facing Craig as mayor will depend on her ability to balance competing priorities and stakeholder interests. As she takes office, she faces a daunting task: delivering on her campaign promises while addressing the deep-seated structural issues that have plagued the city region for years.

Craig’s mayoralty is likely to be shaped by ongoing debates about the role of local government in addressing social and economic challenges. She will need to balance Labour’s policy priorities with a willingness to work across party lines and engage with the city’s diverse communities.

One area where Craig may find common ground with other stakeholders is in the need for greater investment in public services. The recent “outstanding” rating for children’s services highlights the importance of continued investment in this critical area, but also suggests that there are opportunities for improvement.

Craig’s election comes at a time when the regional politics landscape is shifting rapidly. The rise of devolution and localism has created new opportunities for city regions to take control of their own destinies, but it has also raised questions about central government’s role in supporting these efforts.

As Craig takes office, she will need to navigate complex relationships with central government, regional stakeholders, and local communities. Her success will depend on her ability to build coalitions and partnerships that can drive forward the region’s social and economic agenda.

Craig’s election offers a fresh start for Greater Manchester, but it also raises questions about how she intends to address the deep-seated structural issues that have plagued the city region for years. As she takes office, she faces a daunting task: delivering on her campaign promises while addressing the chronic shortage of affordable housing, rising crime rates, and declining public services.

Only time will tell if Craig is up to this challenge. The next chapter in Greater Manchester’s history has begun, and it will be shaped by the decisions she makes as mayor.