The combined costs of running a mayoral election in Greater Manchester and the by-election that could see Andy Burnham return to Westminster may reach £5 million. The Mayor of Greater Manchester announced on Thursday (May 14) that he will request permission from the Labour Party’s central governing body to stand in the Makerfield by-election.
This follows the resignation of Josh Simons, the Labour MP for the seat, earlier that same day to give Mr Burnham a chance at a Westminster return. If Mr Burnham wins, he could challenge Sir Keir Starmer in a bid to become the next Labour leader and Prime Minister.
Internal Labour Process
Before that, Mr Burnham needs to go through an internal Labour process to seek selection as the party’s candidate for Makerfield. First, he must make it clear he wishes to stand and then be given permission by Labour’s National Executive Committee. Then, the local Labour branch party will decide if they want him as a candidate.
Potential Mayoral Election Costs
If he wins the by-election, it would trigger a poll in Greater Manchester to decide who would replace him as the region’s mayor. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority said the cost of the previous mayoral election in 2024 was £4,719,754. No breakdown of these costs was available.
By-Election Budget
In the Makerfield ballot, the official responsible for overseeing the election has a budget of £226,208 to administrate it, with £3,738 available to pay the lead official, the returning officer, for their time. The remaining £222,470 is available to pay for ballot papers, IT, staffing, and other support to carry out the poll.
Further costs to the public purse would be incurred via the postage costs each candidate is entitled to, which allows them to write to all voting households. Ministers revealed in 2016 that the average cost of running a by-election since 2010 was £228,964. This is likely to have risen in the intervening period with inflation.
Value for Money Debate
Communities Secretary Steve Reed was asked by Times Radio on Friday (May 15) whether the costs of running the by-election and a mayoral poll represented good value for money. He told the broadcaster it was 'for the people' to judge, adding: "We have democracy, and democracy does cost some money."
