Reform UK has unveiled its candidate for the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election after Andy Burnham stepped down to return to Westminster.
Sian Astley, a graduate of University of Manchester, will stand for Reform UK.
The party described her as a “respected businesswoman” who has built a profile on television and in print as an expert in property and home renovation.
Before entering politics, she appeared on DIY SOS and the Your Home Made Perfect.
The by-election was triggered after Burnham, the former Greater Manchester Mayor, was elected MP for Makerfield on June 19, opting to return to Westminster.
As Reform UK’s leader on Manchester Council, Ms Astley was elected councillor for Baguley, Wythenshawe in the recent local elections — a seat previously held by Labour for 50 years.
Ahead of what is expected to be a competitive campaign, she has pledged to scrutinise contracts awarded by Burnham during his time in office.
Ms Astley said: “I am delighted to be chosen as Reform UK’s candidate for Mayor of Greater Manchester. I am determined to improve communities and the lives of working people.
“Over the years, we have all seen towns and communities across Greater Manchester decline, with high streets neglected, underfunded and unloved. They need to be put front and centre again.
“One of my first acts as Mayor will be to open the books on contracts Andy Burnham awarded during his time as Labour’s Mayor, including at least one awarded to a company that made substantial donations to his mayoral campaign.”
She added: “Politics needs real people with real-life experience. People like me.”
Ms Astley secured victory in May’s local elections with a 423-vote majority over Labour’s Paul Andrews.
Burnham won the first mayoral election in 2017 and went on to secure two more terms in office.
Voters across all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester will head to the polls on July 30 to elect his successor.
