Overview
- Reform UK announced Sian Astley as its candidate on Monday, June 29, 2026, and she will contest the Greater Manchester mayoral by‑election set for July 30, 2026.
- Astley is the leader of Reform’s group on Manchester City Council after winning the Baguley seat in May and she runs a Manchester‑based design and property business with a public profile from TV work.
- She has said one of her first acts as mayor would be to “open up the books” on contracts awarded during Andy Burnham’s mayoralty, alleging at least one went to a company that made substantial donations to his campaign while the GMCA says it follows rigorous procurement rules.
- The race is multi‑party with Labour’s Bev Craig, Green, Conservative, Lib Dem and Restore candidates also standing, and the supplementary vote system—where voters mark a first and second choice—can advantage larger parties and shape tactical second‑preference flows.
- Reform faces an uphill path after recent by‑election defeats, a dynamic that could limit Astley’s chances and make vote splitting on the right a key factor for whether the party can improve its standing in Greater Manchester.