More than two million people across Greater Manchester are voting to choose a successor to Andy Burnham after his resignation triggered a mayoral by-election. The result matters because it will determine leadership of the combined authority across 10 boroughs and is the first mayoral contest without Mr Burnham on the ballot since the role was created in 2017.

Polling closes at 10pm on Thursday 30 July and counting begins at Co-op Live from 9am on Friday, with a declaration expected no earlier than Friday afternoon. Seven candidates are standing; Labour’s Bev Craig has led polling by about 20 points over Reform UK’s Sian Astley, while no exit poll is expected because these are generally reserved for UK general elections.