Key Points
- Political parties have started announcing candidates for the forthcoming Makerfield by-election in Greater Manchester.
- The by-election date has been confirmed as Thursday 18 June 2026.
- Labour has selected Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
- Reform UK has chosen Robert Kenyon, who stood in Makerfield at the 2024 general election and finished second.
- Restore Britain has named businesswoman Rebecca Shepherd.
- The Official Monster Raving Loony Party has confirmed Alan ‘Howlin’ Laud Hope.
- ITV News Granada and BBC News both report the candidate list in alphabetical order and note that nominations remain subject to updates.
Manchester Election(Manchester Mirror)May 24, 2026— BBC News reported on 19 May 2026 that political parties had begun announcing candidates for the Makerfield by-election, with several names already confirmed across different parties.
The BBC’s list includes Labour’s Andy Burnham, Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon, Restore Britain’s Rebecca Shepherd, and the Official Monster Raving Loony Party’s Alan ‘Howlin’ Laud Hope.
ITV News Granada also reported that the vote will take place on 18 June 2026 and confirmed the same core list of candidates at that stage.
Both outlets made clear that the list could still be updated as further nominations are announced.
What is the most important development in the Makerfield by-election?
The biggest development is Labour’s decision to field Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester Mayor, in a contest that is already drawing wider attention because of his high profile.
Robert Kenyon’s return for Reform UK is also notable because he finished second in the constituency at the 2024 general election, according to BBC News and Brevia’s summary.
Rebecca Shepherd’s candidacy gives Restore Britain an early presence in the race, while the Monster Raving Loony Party has once again entered the contest with Alan ‘Howlin’ Laud Hope.
ITV News Granada added that the by-election date has now been set for 18 June 2026, turning the contest from a developing story into an active campaign.
Why is there a by-election?
The available reports identify the contest as a by-election in the Greater Manchester constituency of Makerfield, and they link it to the resignation of Josh Simons.
BBC News and ITV News Granada focus on the candidates and timing rather than on the full chain of events behind the vacancy, so the immediate reporting centres on who will stand and when voters will go to the polls.
That means the most reliable verified facts at this stage are the date, the constituency, and the names already announced.
As more parties finalise nominations, the list is expected to grow and be updated.
How are the parties positioning themselves?
Labour’s selection of Andy Burnham signals a high-profile approach to the seat, as he is already a well-known regional figure in Greater Manchester politics.
Reform UK is leaning on familiarity by reselecting Robert Kenyon, who has already contested the constituency.
Restore Britain and the Official Monster Raving Loony Party are using the contest to maintain visibility, with Shepherd and Laud Hope respectively now on the ballot list reported by the media.
The Conservative candidate listed by Brevia is Michael Winstanley, while the Green Party is reported to have reopened nominations after its original candidate withdrew.
What does the vote date mean?
The date set by Wigan Council, Thursday 18 June 2026, gives parties a short campaign window to organise local ground operations, candidate visits, and media messaging.
In practical terms, the confirmation of polling day usually sharpens attention on campaign priorities, candidate profiles, and local issues.
Because nominations are still being updated, the campaign narrative may change quickly if more candidates are confirmed or if parties adjust their strategy.
For voters, the immediate effect is simple: the contest is now on a fixed timetable.
Background of the development
Makerfield is a parliamentary constituency in Greater Manchester, and the by-election follows the resignation of Josh Simons.
The first reports on the contest began focusing on candidate selection, which is a common early stage in by-election coverage because it determines who will represent each party on the ballot.
The BBC’s report on 19 May 2026 described the early candidate announcements and noted that more names would follow.
ITV News Granada confirmed the voting date on the same day, showing how quickly the story moved from speculation to formal campaign preparations.
Prediction
The by-election is likely to have the greatest impact on local voters in Makerfield, because the campaign will centre on representation, constituency priorities, and party strength in the area.
Andy Burnham’s candidacy may also draw attention beyond the constituency because of his existing prominence in Greater Manchester politics.
For parties such as Reform UK, the Conservatives, Restore Britain, and the Greens, the race offers a chance to test support and visibility in a high-profile local contest.
As a result, the immediate effect on the audience will be a more intense local campaign and increased national attention on the constituency.
