A by-election will take place on Thursday, July 30, for the Rumworth ward in Bolton, coinciding with the Greater Manchester mayoral election. The contest for a single council seat was triggered by Labour councillor Abdul Atcha's resignation last month after four years in office.
Background and Political Context
In the May 7 elections, the Green Party won the Rumworth ward with candidate Ismail Ibrahim securing 2,346 votes. Labour came second with 1,659 votes, followed by Reform UK with 463. Historically considered a safe Labour seat, the ward's political allegiance has shifted.
The outcome could impact the council's composition. Labour currently holds minority control with 20 councillors, making them the largest group. Reform UK and the Conservatives each have 10 members and serve as official opposition groups. The Liberal Democrats and Horwich & Blackrod First have five seats each, the Greens have four, Farnworth & Kearsley First have three, and there are three Independents.
Candidate List for Rumworth By-Election
Seven candidates are standing for election on July 30. Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm, and voters will also cast their ballot for the Mayor of Greater Manchester. The candidates are:
- Yusuf Davda (Independent)
- Wendy Ann Hopkinson (Independent)
- Alan Johnson (Green Party)
- Marcellus Mbah (Conservative)
- Ghansham Hirgi Patel (Reform UK)
- Sajid Pathan (Labour)
- Gillian Elizabeth Wroe (Liberal Democrats)
Impact on Council Control
Any result other than a Labour victory would reduce the party's representation at Bolton Council. Labour currently has minority control, meaning they rely on support from other groups to pass decisions. A loss in Rumworth could further weaken their position.
