Bev Craig, who grew up in Greenisland outside Belfast, has said her Northern Ireland upbringing has shaped how she views politics "in a non-tribal way". The new Mayor of Greater Manchester won last week's by-election in the city region to succeed Andy Burnham as mayor after he stepped down to run for Westminster and become prime minister.
How did her upbringing shape her politics?
Craig said her family in Northern Ireland were "incredibly proud". The 41-year-old said growing up on a council estate helped shape her outlook on politics.
"I think it's also shaped my ability to work with people and shaped how I view politics in a non-tribal way," she added.
"Because my experience growing up in Northern Ireland is that you find allies in unexpected places."
"Northern Ireland has taught me that sometimes to break division, to break through cynicism and barriers, you've got to look for those allies in unexpected places and find common ground."
She said she wanted to be a "mayor for everyone".
What is her background in Northern Ireland and Manchester?
Craig, a former pupil of Belfast High School, moved to Manchester in 2003 to study politics and modern history at the University of Manchester. She said she grew up in a "proud community", but it was in Manchester where she found "a sense of home and belonging that I just didn't feel in Northern Ireland".
"It was only really as I got older and as I went to university that I realised that we didn't have much money and we didn't have the same opportunities as people," she said.
"And I think that's really shaped my political journey and why I'm in politics."
What did she say about her family?
Craig said her family keep her grounded. She said her mum always watches the news to see if anything's happened, and her two sisters and nephew are really proud.
"I lost my dad just over a year ago and I'm sure he'd be incredibly proud.
"But they also keep me grounded."
"I've got some cousins that firmly keep my feet on the floor, and I'm sure my mum wouldn't be too shy in telling me if I've got ideas above my station."
