The Green Party has become the first political party to announce its candidate for the forthcoming Greater Manchester mayoral by-election following Andy Burnham’s departure from the role.
Burnham’s election to Parliament means he is no longer able to continue as Greater Manchester mayor, triggering a by-election that is scheduled to take place on 30 July.
With an estimated two million people eligible to cast their ballots, the contest is expected to have the largest electorate ever seen in a UK by-election.
Green Party Names Trafford Councillor As Mayoral Candidate
The Greens have confirmed that local campaigner and Trafford councillor Geraldine Coggins will represent the party in the race.
Ahead of a campaign launch event in Manchester, Coggins said: “The Green Party has shown in Gorton and Denton and these last local elections that people are ready for a new kind of politics, one that puts communities, fairness and the future first.
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“We did it in Gorton and Denton, and now we will do it across Greater Manchester.
“This campaign will offer a positive vision for the future of Greater Manchester and show that Green leadership can deliver real change.”
Coggins also argued that many voters “are feeling abandoned by Labour” and are “tired of being told to settle for less”.
Greater Manchester By-Election Set For Major Political Contest
Labour has held the Greater Manchester mayoralty since the inaugural election in 2017, making it the party to beat in the upcoming vote.
However, a Green Party source told Sky News that the campaign will be the party’s largest political operation to date.
The party has already produced campaign materials and is committed to investing heavily in its efforts, with campaign figures pledging to “throw the kitchen sink” at the contest.
Greens Aim To Challenge Reform UK In Mayoral Race
The Green Party is seeking to frame the election as a direct contest between itself and Reform UK, despite Labour’s long-standing dominance of the mayoral position.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski is expected to tell supporters: “We know that this election… will be a straight fight between Greens and Reform.
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“Just like in Gorton and Denton, only Greens can stop Reform, bring people together, and make the real change Greater Manchester needs.”
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