Manchester City Council appoints new leader

Manchester City Council is set to appoint councillor Garry Bridges as its new leader, succeeding councillor Bev Craig following her election as Greater Manchester Mayor.

Councillor Bridges has served as statutory deputy leader since 2024 and is due to take up the political leadership of the council subject to confirmation at a special full council meeting.

First elected as councillor for Old Moat ward in 2015, he has more than a decade of experience in local government.

Before becoming deputy leader, he served as executive member for children and schools, overseeing improvements across children’s services, which are now rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

His work included supporting free school meals during the pandemic, council tax exemptions for care leavers and Manchester’s Year of the Child programme, which helped the city secure UNICEF Child Friendly City status.

As deputy leader, councillor Bridges has worked across regeneration, culture, community cohesion and regional partnerships.

He has also represented Manchester on bodies including the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Local Government Association.

Subject to confirmation, he will lead the council’s executive and help shape its long-term strategy, with priorities including housing, skills and employment and ensuring residents across Manchester benefit from the city’s economic growth.

Councillor Bridges said: “I’m honoured to be chosen as the new leader of Manchester City Council. 

“I promise to give my all to the city I love, on behalf of everyone who calls Manchester home.

“Manchester is an incredible place to be, and we’ve shown what it’s possible to achieve in a city, with our economy growing well above the national rate.

“We’ve done this through a clear strategy and our manifesto that puts our city first. 

“For most of that time we’ve achieved this with our hands tied behind our backs, with a series of governments making things more difficult.

“Despite what we’ve achieved, there is much more to do. 

“A growing economy must benefit the people who live in our city.

“We’ve made progress but too many people struggle to pay their bills, to get affordable housing or to get the skills they need to secure the jobs they want.

“Working with the new Prime Minister and the new Greater Manchester Mayor, putting this right is my top priority.

“Our social house building programme is the biggest in decades but we’ll be making the case to the new Government that we can – and must – build more.”

Tom Stannard, chief executive of Manchester City Council, added: “I am delighted with the news that councillor Garry Bridges will become Manchester City Council’s new leader. 

“Having worked closely with him in recent years I know his passion and dedication for our city, and for every person who calls Manchester home, is second to none.

“Manchester is on the crest of a wave, we enjoy a growing global reputation, our population is growing at a remarkable rate, and we have matured into one of the key engines of growth in the UK and beyond. 

“We stand to benefit from even further devolution supporting our people and our regional economy. 

“And while we have much to celebrate, we know that we can go further and deliver more to ensure that everyone who lives in this city has the chance to thrive.  

“I am really looking forward to working with Garry in the years ahead to continue build on what has already been achieved and go even further towards realising the city’s full potential.” 

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