Government Accelerates Supplementary Vote System for Potential Greater Manchester Mayoral Election

The government is fast-tracking the implementation of the Supplementary Vote system for mayoral elections, anticipating a potential contest in Greater Manchester this year. The change, which allows voters to select a first and second choice, was originally expected to be in place after May 2026.

Under the Supplementary Vote, if no candidate secures over 50% of first-preference votes, the top two proceed to a run-off where second-preference votes from eliminated candidates are redistributed. This system was previously used for police and crime commissioners and mayors until 2022, when the Conservative government switched to First Past the Post (FPTP).

Local Government Minister Samantha Dixon confirmed the government is "taking action to seek parliamentary approval to deliver that change in all scenarios," specifically citing the potential for an early Greater Manchester mayoral election. This scenario would arise if current Mayor Andy Burnham secures the Makerfield parliamentary constituency, necessitating his resignation from the mayoral post.

Ms Dixon stated a target of 19 June for the change to be in force, the day following the Makerfield by-election. She argued that the Supplementary Vote system "ensures a broader level of support for the person elected," deeming it "suitable for the election of single executive office holders, such as mayors."

Labour reintroduced the Supplementary Vote after winning the 2024 general election, reversing the previous government's move to FPTP, which it had justified as ensuring "clearer accountability." While First Past the Post remains for UK general elections and English council elections, various parties, including Reform UK, the Liberal Democrats, and the Green Party, advocate for more proportional systems.