Arooj Shah leads the market at 62.5% for the largest share of first-preference votes in the 30 July 2026 Greater Manchester mayoral by-election, reflecting trader assessments of her Labour candidacy and recent profile after stepping down as Oldham council leader following the May local elections that produced no overall control. Other named contenders such as Bev Craig, Geraldine Coggins, Paul Dennett, Kate Green and additional declared or potential entrants sit lower, consistent with fragmented opposition from Reform UK, Greens and independents amid Labour’s historical dominance in the region. The short campaign timeline, voter registration deadlines and supplementary vote mechanics heighten focus on first-preference consolidation among major parties, while the vacancy created by Andy Burnham’s parliamentary move adds uncertainty over turnout and vote splitting.