DailyGlimpse

Candidates Line Up for Makerfield By-Election

Politics
May 20, 2026 · 1:45 AM
Candidates Line Up for Makerfield By-Election

Voters in the Makerfield constituency of Greater Manchester will head to the polls soon to elect a new MP, with several parties now announcing their candidates.

The by-election was triggered after Labour MP Josh Simons stepped down to allow Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to seek a return to the House of Commons.

While the election date remains unconfirmed, four candidates have been declared so far. Here they are, listed alphabetically by surname:

Andy Burnham, Labour Party

Labour has officially confirmed Burnham as its candidate. He has served as the region's metro mayor since 2017 and is a former government minister.

Alan 'Howlin' Laud Hope, Official Monster Raving Loony Party

The party's leader and co-founder, Alan Hope, known as Alan "Howlin" Laud Hope, will stand. In a social media statement, the party confirmed he would "stand against Andy Burnham."

Robert Kenyon, Reform UK

Kenyon, a self-employed plumber, previously contested the seat in the 2024 general election, finishing second to Labour's Josh Simons.

Rebecca Shepherd, Restore Britain

Shepherd, a businesswoman, was the first candidate officially announced on Monday.

This list will be updated as more candidates emerge.