Polling stations have closed in the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election triggered by Andy Burnham’s election to Parliament. Labour’s Bev Craig was widely expected to win, and the result will determine the leader of one of England’s largest combined authorities in the first by-election held to fill such a mayoral vacancy.

More than two million people were eligible to vote, making it the largest by-election in British history. Craig faced Reform UK’s Sian Astley, Green candidate Geraldine Coggins and four other candidates; votes will be counted on Friday, with a result expected in the afternoon. The election uses the supplementary vote system, potentially requiring a second-round count, and is expected to cost millions after the 2024 mayoral election cost £4.7 million.