Verification of votes is now underway in the Makerfield by-election, with the final results declaration expected in the early hours of Friday morning. The count is being held at The Edge conference centre in Wigan town centre.
Vote Counting Process
Postal vote ballot boxes are being opened, as ballot boxes from polling stations begin to arrive. In the event of a tight contest, it is possible that there could be a recount, which could potentially add a couple of extra hours on to the final declaration time.
No Exit Poll for By-Election
Unlike a general election, exit polls are not usually carried out for single constituency by-elections. Exit polls are typically compiled through interviews with voters as they leave polling stations, revealing predicted results as soon as voting ends.
However, a poll was carried out by Opinium between June 3 and 11, 2026, ahead of election day. The study included 543 local residents who suggested how they would vote in the by-election. The results of the poll showed Labour winning with 46% and Reform UK's Rob Kenyon in a close battle, with 41% of votes.
Candidates and Context
Fourteen candidates stood for the seat, which became vacant after Labour's Josh Simons resigned. Labour's Andy Burnham is hoping to return to Parliament to replace Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister if he wins. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he was willing to offer the Mayor of Greater Manchester a "big" job in his government, should Burnham win. The Prime Minister has repeatedly made clear he has no intention of standing aside and insists he will fight any challenge to his leadership.
Makerfield has been one of three parliamentary by-elections taking place on Thursday, 18 June. The other two are in the Scottish seats of Aberdeen South, and Arbroath and Broughty Ferry.
We are reporting live from the counting room of the most significant by-election for a generation - with the result potentially set to change who runs the country.
