Reform UK has confirmed Sian Astley as its candidate for the upcoming Greater Manchester mayoral by-election.
The contest was triggered after Andy Burnham left the mayoral role following his election as MP for Makerfield on June 19. Voters across all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester are expected to choose his successor on July 30.
Astley is a graduate of Manchester University and has been described by Reform UK as a businesswoman with experience in the property and renovation industry. Before entering local politics, she appeared on BBC programmes including DIY SOS and Your Home Made Perfect.
She is already active in Manchester politics. In the May local elections, Astley was elected as councillor for Baguley in Wythenshawe, a seat that had previously been held by Labour for many years. She now also serves as Reform UK’s leader on Manchester Council.
Announcing her campaign, Astley said she was pleased to have been selected and wanted to focus on improving communities and supporting working people across Greater Manchester.
She also said high streets and local areas needed to be placed “front and centre” again, arguing that many towns across the region had been neglected.
Astley has also pledged to review contracts awarded during Andy Burnham’s time as mayor, saying she wants to bring more scrutiny and transparency to the role if elected.
The by-election is expected to be closely watched because Greater Manchester has been led by Labour since the first mayoral election in 2017. Burnham went on to win two further terms before returning to Westminster.
So far, confirmed candidates include Sian Astley for Reform UK, Geraldine Coggins for the Green Party, Bev Craig for Labour, Phil Eckersley for the Conservatives and Richard Kilpatrick for the Liberal Democrats.
With several parties now in the race, the campaign is likely to focus on local services, town centres, accountability and the future direction of Greater Manchester.
