Makerfield By-Election Underway
Polling stations have opened across the Greater Manchester constituency of Makerfield as residents participate in a by-election to select their next Member of Parliament. More than 30 polling locations within the parliamentary area commenced operations at 07:00 BST and will remain open until 22:00, after which the ballot counting will begin. An announcement of the result is anticipated early on Friday.
Context and Candidates
This by-election was prompted by the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons. A total of 14 candidates are vying for the seat. This event is one of three Westminster by-elections occurring simultaneously, with voters in the Scottish constituencies of Arbroath and Broughty Ferry and Aberdeen South also participating in similar elections after their respective MPs stepped down to assume roles as MSPs following the Holyrood elections in May.
Voters are reminded to bring a valid form of identification, such as a passport, driving licence, bus pass, blue badge, or a voter authority certificate. Expired photo IDs are acceptable if the image still accurately represents the voter. Photocopies, however, are not permitted.
List of Candidates
The candidates for the Makerfield by-election, listed alphabetically by surname, include:
- 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
- Alan 'Howlin' Laud Hope, The Official Monster Raving Loony Party
- Robert Kenyon, Reform UK
- Robert Pownall, Independent
- Rebecca Shepherd, Restore Britain
- Sarah Wakefield, Green Party
- Peter Ward, Rejoin EU
- Michael Winstanley, Conservative Party