A by-election has been called for a seat on Wigan council following the death of long-standing member Bob Brierley. The vote will take place on Thursday, November 12, for one seat representing the Hindley Green ward, after at least two eligible voters from the area requested one in writing.
Had those requests not been made, the seat would have remained vacant until the next local elections in May 2027.
Coun Brierley's legacy
Coun Brierley, an Independent, represented the ward at the town hall for 22 years and died last month. Described as dedicated and passionate in his service to constituents, his funeral on September 25 was attended by hundreds. His community work led to tributes calling him 'Mr Hindley Green'.
Candidates and context
In May this year, Reform UK won the seat, with candidate Liam Clarke polling 1,878 votes. Labour's John Vickers came second with 1,172, and the Greens were third with 258 votes.
Both Reform UK and Labour have announced candidates, though nominations for the by-election have not yet been finalised. Mr Vickers will stand again for Labour, while Wigan's Reform UK branch has said Bonnie Clarke will be on the ballot.
Deadlines for voter registration and postal voting have not yet been published by Wigan council. The by-election result will not change control of the full council, where Labour holds 38 of 75 seats, Reform UK has 25, and Independents hold 11, alongside the single Hindley Green vacancy. A third of council seats are set to be contested in May 2027.
