Sian Astley, known for her appearances on DIY SOS and a mayoral candidate for Greater Manchester, is challenging what she perceives as a dominant single-party system in the region. Despite facing tough competition from the Labour party following Andy Burnham’s resignation, voters will decide on his successor in the upcoming mayoral election, marking the largest by-election in UK history with over two million eligible voters.

Astley, representing Reform UK, is among seven candidates vying for the mayoral position vacated by Burnham. Recent YouGov polling suggests that Bev Craig of the Labour party, the current leader of Manchester City Council, is the front-runner, with Astley trailing in estimated first preference votes. The projections indicate a further gap in second round voting. Nonetheless, the outcome remains uncertain. Who exactly is Sian Astley, and what are her plans for Greater Manchester?

A prominent figure in interior design, the 56-year-old Astley, who heads Reform UK’s council group in Manchester, has had a notable presence on television screens, featuring in shows like DIY SOS: The Big Build and Your Home Made Perfect. Despite initially studying law at the University of Manchester, she transitioned into property development, founding her own company, Moregeous, after realizing the financial constraints of pursuing a legal career.

While Astley’s political experience is relatively recent, having become a councillor only in May, she has already courted controversy with her statements on social media. Addressing issues related to immigration, she defended Reform UK’s stance on not locating immigration detention centers in constituencies held by the party or under its council control.

Among her campaign promises, Astley pledges to prevent illegal migrants from being placed in local communities, enhance police enforcement, and alleviate burdens on drivers. In an interview with the Telegraph, she likened her approach to governing Greater Manchester to renovating a home, emphasizing the importance of thorough assessment and strategic planning for optimal results.