Labour’s candidate for Greater Manchester Mayor, Bev Craig, has unveiled her manifesto ahead of the mayoral election on 30 July, setting out a programme focused on improving affordability, public safety, housing and opportunities for young people.
Speaking at the launch of Delivering a Greater Manchester for Us in Trafford, Craig set out a programme focused on improving affordability, public safety, housing and opportunities for young people. She said she would use the powers of the mayoralty to make life “cheaper, safer and fairer” while ensuring the benefits of economic growth are shared across every borough.
Addressing a packed audience of Labour activists, MPs, councillors and business representatives, Craig drew on her own background and experience as Leader of Manchester City Council, saying she understood the challenges many residents face and was committed to delivering practical change across the city-region.
The manifesto is built around five key priorities: keeping transport affordable through a continued Bee Network fare freeze and expanded free travel for young people; improving outcomes for children and young people through enhanced support and training opportunities; delivering 50,000 new council and genuinely affordable homes; investing in town centres and local businesses; and strengthening neighbourhood policing to help create safer communities.
Craig described the programme as “a promise and a plan”, emphasising that the proposals are designed to be both ambitious and achievable.
Building on Greater Manchester’s devolution journey, Craig said the next stage should focus on ensuring prosperity is felt in every community rather than concentrated in specific areas.
Among the new initiatives announced were plans for a Gen Z Commission, designed to give young people a greater voice in shaping regional policy, alongside proposals for a Community Ownership Fund to help local organisations and community groups invest in businesses and assets that benefit their neighbourhoods.
Craig said the Community Ownership Fund would initially receive £10 million and form part of a wider Good Growth Fund, which she believes could unlock up to £2 billion of investment through a combination of public funding, pension fund investment and support from the National Wealth Bank.
Housing also featured prominently in the manifesto, with commitments to deliver 50,000 council and genuinely affordable homes, explore rent control measures and provide greater support for people experiencing homelessness.
To support local economies, Craig also pledged a £20 million Good Growth High Street Fund aimed at helping small businesses, bringing vacant premises back into use and revitalising town centres across Greater Manchester.
Downtown in Business will continue to engage with all candidates throughout the campaign and provide members with updates on the policies that will shape Greater Manchester’s business community and economy ahead of the mayoral election.
The launch concluded with a standing ovation from supporters as Labour’s campaign enters its final weeks before polling day.
