Makerfield by-election: Farage in Winstanley, Rupert Lowe in Bryn and Burnham backed by Starmer
The Makerfield by-election campaign is gathering pace, with national political figures now making appearances across the constituency ahead of next month’s vote.
Nigel Farage joined Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon in a pub in Winstanley on Wednesday as the party stepped up its campaign.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe visited Bryn alongside candidate Rebecca Shepherd.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also confirmed he will campaign for Labour candidate Andy Burnham during the by-election race, (although it’s not been confirmed whether or not he’ll be visiting what’s now becoming the most famous constituency in the country).
The vote on June 18 was triggered after former Labour MP Josh Simons stepped down, paving the way for Burnham to attempt a return to Westminster politics
Candidates standing in Makerfield:
Andy Burnham (Labour)
Mayor of Greater Manchester and former MP for Leigh.
Robert Kenyon (Reform UK)
Local councillor, plumber and Army reservist who finished second in 2024.
Rebecca Shepherd (Restore Britain)
Wigan businesswoman standing for the new party backed by Rupert Lowe.
Michael Winstanley (Conservatives)
Former Wigan councillor and civic mayor.
Green Party (TBC)
Candidate to be confirmed after Chris Kennedy stood down shortly after being announced.
Howling Laud Hope (Official Monster Raving Loony Party)
Long time protest candidate returning once again.
The contest is shaping up as a key test of political support in the area, with Labour defending a traditional stronghold while Reform UK looks to build on recent gains across Wigan, when it took 24 out of the 25 seats available in the recent council elections.
Restore Britain is also attempting to establish itself locally, while the Conservatives aim to maintain a presence in the constituency as campaigning begins to spread beyond Ashton in Makerfield into surrounding towns and villages.
With nominations closing on 28 May, the final shape of the ballot is still to be confirmed, but campaigning is already active across the constituency and expected to intensify in the weeks ahead.
