Government Seeks Faster Switch to Supplementary Vote for Possible Greater Manchester Mayor Election

Ministers are accelerating plans to introduce the Supplementary Vote system for a possible mayoral election in Greater Manchester this year. The change would replace First Past the Post if a vacancy occurs after the Makerfield parliamentary by-election.

The Supplementary Vote system allows voters to select a first and second choice. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of first-preference votes, the top two candidates proceed to a second round where second-preference votes from eliminated candidates are counted.

The system was used for mayoral and police and crime commissioner elections until 2022, when it was replaced by First Past the Post. The previous Conservative government described First Past the Post as a fair and simple system that provides clearer accountability.

After the 2024 general election, the Labour government passed legislation to reintroduce the Supplementary Vote for mayoral and police and crime commissioner elections. The change had been scheduled to take effect after May 2026 for elections in May 2027.

A written government statement said it is taking action to seek parliamentary approval to deliver the change in all scenarios. Local Government Minister Samantha Dixon said the government is conscious that a mayoral election may need to be held in Greater Manchester in the coming months, subject to the outcome of the Makerfield by-election.

She said the government hopes the change can be in force by 19 June, the day after the Makerfield by-election is due to take place. Dixon said the Supplementary Vote system is suitable for the election of single executive office holders such as mayors and ensures a broader level of support for the person elected.

The government said it will work with the Electoral Commission and local authorities to support implementation of the change. First Past the Post continues to be used for UK general elections and elections to English councils.