Greater Manchester: Polls open in election to replace Andy Burnham as mayor

• A by-election is currently underway in Greater Manchester to elect a new mayor, following Andy Burnham's resignation earlier this year.
• Over two million people are eligible to vote in what is described as the biggest by-election in UK history, with polls open until 10pm on Thursday.
• Labour's Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, is the prime minister's preferred candidate, competing against six other contenders.
• The contest was triggered after Mr Burnham resigned as mayor to become an MP for Makerfield and subsequently took over as Labour leader.
• The seven candidates are Bev Craig (Labour), Phil Eckersley (Conservatives), Geraldine Coggins (Green Party), Sian Astley (Reform UK), Richard Kilpatrick (Liberal Democrats), Marlon West (Restore Britain), Marcus Farmer (Independent).

IN FULL

Polls open in historic Greater Manchester by-election to replace Andy Burnham as mayor