With the Makerfield by-election just days away, politics in Greater Manchester is drawing national and international attention. Expected to be the most significant by-election in England for years, the result on June 18 could reshape the UK political landscape, as Labour's Andy Burnham, if elected MP, is anticipated to launch a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer. The final days of campaigning will be a flurry of red, blue, green, yellow, and turquoise as candidates strive to deliver their best soundbites and sway undecided voters.
Memorable Election Moments in Greater Manchester
In these high-stakes moments, when candidates are shaking hands and kissing babies, politics often transforms from the stuffy confines of Westminster into a more entertaining spectacle. While past and future prime ministers have all visited Greater Manchester to prove their worth, there are also the also-rans and outliers who make political campaigning far more interesting.
Who could forget Katie Price, then known as Jordan, campaigning to become an MP in Stretford and Urmston? Or Bez running for the Reality Party in 2015? And what about the time a major Hollywood star, fresh from Oscar success, stood for election in Moss Side? The gallery below captures these moments when election hopefuls mingled with the Greater Manchester public, canvassing for votes.
Historical Highlights
- Winston Churchill as a Liberal addressing a crowd in the 1908 by-election in Manchester North West, which he lost to the Conservative candidate.
- Prime Minister Winston Churchill campaigning in Manchester ahead of the 1945 General Election.
- UKIP leader Nigel Farage canvassing in a pub in Heywood during the 2014 by-election.
- Ann and Derek Smith displaying rival campaign placards on their front lawn in Hazel Grove, Stockport, in 1974.
- Bez from the Reality Party unveiling his election billboard on Chapel Street, Salford, in 2015.
- Katie Price (Jordan) campaigning for the Stretford and Urmston seat in the 2001 General Election, including outside Old Trafford.
- Cherie Blair and Tony Blair campaigning outside the 'Black Bull' public house in Bury during the 1997 General Election.
- Tony Blair with children at Oldham Sports Centre in 1997.
- Labour candidates Ann Taylor and David Young campaigning in Bolton in 1974.
- Margaret Thatcher receiving a pat on the cheek from 78-year-old Annie Lett in Stretford in 1979.
- Nigel Farage by a self-propelled gun at Heywood Tank Museum in 2014.
- Vanessa Redgrave, Hollywood star and Oscar winner, contesting the Moss Side by-election in July 1978.
- Vanessa Redgrave canvassing in Hulme, Manchester, in 1978.
- William Hague with his wife Ffion at Fairfield Girls High School in Droylesden in 2001.
- Dr David Bellamy speaking at a news conference in Manchester as the Referendum Party candidate in 1997.
- Michael Howard canvassing in Cheadle Hulme in 2005.
- Barbara Castle campaigning in Salford in 1974.
- Anthony Barber campaigning in Altrincham and Sale in 1974.
- Frank Hatton, Labour candidate in the Manchester Exchange by-election in 1973.
- Harold Wilson addressing workers at Trafford Park in Manchester in 1970.
Do you recognise yourself or anyone you know in these photos? Let us know in the comments.
