Voters in Makerfield are heading to the polls in a by-election that could reshape the future of British politics, reports BritPanorama.
Historically a Labour stronghold, Makerfield has supported the party for over 40 years, with representation dating back to 1983.
Polling stations open at 7am on Thursday, June 18. The count will commence after polls close at 10pm, with results expected between 2am and 5am on Friday, June 19, according to Wigan Council.
The constituency encompasses the eight wards fully contained within the Wigan metropolitan borough — Ashton-in-Makerfield, Bryn, Hindley, Hindley Green, Abram, Orrell, Winstanley, and Worsley Mesnes, along with portions of Leigh West, Ince, and Golborne and Lowton West.
Why is the Makerfield by-election happening?
The Makerfield by-election was prompted by Josh Simons’ resignation as Labour MP on May 14, clearing the path for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to pursue a return to Westminster.
Simons secured the seat in the 2024 general election with a majority of 5,399 over Reform UK, a party that recently exhibited significant local strength.
This election is shaping up to be a two-horse race between Labour and Reform, with implications for the political landscape in the UK. Reform captured all eight wards in the Makerfield constituency during the May 2026 local elections, garnering around 50% of the vote against Labour’s 27%.
Who is standing in the Makerfield by-election?
The full list of candidates includes:
- Andy Burnham, Labour and Co-operative Party: Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017, Burnham previously served as MP for Leigh and holds a record of cabinet experience, including Secretary of State for Health. He has indicated a challenge to Prime Minister Keir Starmer for Labour leadership if elected.
- Robert Kenyon, Reform UK: A self-employed plumber and gas engineer and a new Reform councillor. Kenyon ranked second in the 2024 election with 31.8% of the votes.
- Sarah Wakefield, Green Party: Manchester City councillor entering the race after the previous candidate stepped down shortly before selection.
- Michael Winstanley, Conservative Party: Former Wigan councillor focusing his campaign on high-street regeneration and tackling anti-social behaviour.
- Jake Austin, Liberal Democrats: Local councillor campaigning for his party as their candidate in this by-election.
- Rebecca Shepherd, Restore Britain: Businesswoman participating in her party’s inaugural parliamentary contest.
- Peter Ward, Rejoin EU Bring In PR: Barrister advocating for the UK to re-enter the European Union.
- Ed Gemmell, Climate Party: Leader of a party promoting pro-business and pro-climate policies.
- Dan Clarke, Libertarian Party: North-West co-ordinator for the Libertarians and a prior candidate in other elections.
- Howling Laud Hope, Official Monster Raving Loony Party: Veteran candidate with experience in over 30 by-elections.
- Count Binface, Count Binface Party: Unique candidate campaigning to make “Makerfield great again”.
- Robert Pownall, Independent: Advocating for stronger hunting regulations.
- John Dyer, Independent: Running as an independent candidate.
- Paul Gould, Independent: Also standing as an independent candidate.
As the by-election unfolds, attention will likely be on its implications for both the Labour Party and Reform UK, amid a landscape marked by shifting voter allegiances and evolving political dynamics.
This contest not only highlights local electoral sentiments but also serves as a bellwether for national trends, reflecting the ongoing transformation within British politics.
