Voters in Makerfield are set to head to the polls on Thursday, June 18, for a by-election that is being described as a critical election. They will have their say on who should become the town's new MP following the sudden resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons on May 14. Simons confirmed he stood down to make way for Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham to stand for election.
Political Context
Simons' resignation followed mounting demands for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to resign. Burnham is expected to launch a leadership challenge against Sir Keir if elected. This means the outcome of the by-election could shape the UK political scene for years to come.
Frontrunners
The Makerfield by-election will see 14 candidates standing, including Burnham, who is deemed a frontrunner alongside Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon.
Full List of Candidates
- Jake Austin - Liberal Democrats
- Count Binface - Count Binface Party
- Andy Burnham - Labour and Co-operative Party
- Dan Clarke - Libertarian Party
- John Dyer - Independent
- Ed Gemmell - Climate Party
- Paul Gould - Independent
- Howling Laud Hope - The Official Monster Raving Loony Party
- Robert Kenyon - Reform UK
- Rob Pownall - Independent
- Rebecca Shepherd - Restore Britain
- Sarah Wakefield - Green Party
- Peter Ward - Rejoin EU
- Michael Winstanley - Conservative and Unionist Party
Polls will open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday, June 18.
