Reform UK has unveiled its candidate to contest the Greater Manchester Mayoralty by-election after Andy Burnham ditched the position to return to Westminster.
Sian Astley, a graduate of Manchester University, will stand for Reform UK.
The party described her as a “respected businesswoman”, having appeared on television and in print as property and renovation industry expert.
Before a career in politics, she featured on BBC One’s DIY SOS and the BBC Two series Your Home Made Perfect.
The by-election was called after Andy Burnham, the previous Greater Manchester Mayor, was elected as MP for Makerfield on June 19, prioritising a return to Westminster.
As the party’s leader on Manchester Council, the recent May elections saw Ms Astley elected as the councillor for Baguley, Wythenshawe – a seat once held by Labour for 50 years.
Prepping for a competitive campaign, she has pledged to scrutinise contracts Mr Burnham awarded to firms during his time in the role.
Ms Astley said: “I am delighted to be chosen as Reform UK’s candidate for Mayor Greater Manchester – I am determined to improve communities and the lives of working people.
Sian Astley, a graduate of Manchester University, will stand for Reform
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REFORM UK
“Over the years, we have all seen our towns and areas across Greater Manchester decline, with high streets left unattended, unfunded and unloved. They need to be placed front and centre again.
“One of my first acts as Mayor will be to open up the books on contracts Andy Burnham awarded during his time as Labour’s Mayor, at least one of which was to a company which made substantial donations to his Mayoral campaign.”
The candidate added: “Politics needs real people with real life experience. People like me.”
Ms Astley scored a win in the May local elections with a 423-vote majority ahead of Labour’s Paul Andrews.
Labour’s Mr Burnham won the first mayoral election in 2017, and secured two further terms in office.
Constituents living in all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester will elect his successor on July 30.
Here is a list of all of the candidates who have so far confirmed they are standing in the election.
- Sian Astley, Reform UK
- Geraldine Coggins, Green Party
- Bev Craig, Labour
- Phil Eckersley, Conservative
- Richard Kilpatrick, Liberal Democrats