Chatter with Bev Craig: Leading Manchester with Dignity, Inclusion and Long‑Term Vision

In this episode, we talk to Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, about her remarkable journey to becoming one of Greater Manchester’s most influential political figures. Bev reflects on how her early years working in hospitality, retail, and call centres shaped her passion for fairness, dignity, and the kind of leadership that genuinely listens to people.

We explore how Bev champions good employment across the city region - from creating long-term pathways into secure work, to reshaping Greater Manchester’s economic strategy so that growth is inclusive and grounded in community needs. Bev also opens up about identity, resilience, and how her experiences of activism, social justice work, and navigating political spaces have shaped her belief that dignity, opportunity, and being heard are essential to a good life.

Tune in for a conversation filled with honesty, insight, and purpose - one that shows how leadership rooted in lived experience can drive real change for people, places, and workplaces across Greater Manchester.

🎵 Music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions. Track featured: Dirtbike Lovers.