Who is standing in the Makerfield by-election?

See the full list of candidates below

Author: Alex CornsPublished 19th May 2026
Last updated 1 hour ago

Voters in Makerfield will head to the polls in a by-election - after MP Josh Simons stepped down, triggering a fresh contest for the constituency.

Political parties have been confirming their candidates for the vote - we'll be updating this page as each party announces who'll be looking to be the next MP for Makerfield.

Here is the full list of candidates standing in the Makerfield by-election:

Labour Party - Andy Burnham

Andy Burnham is representing Labour in the Makerfield by-election.

Reform UK - Robert Kenyon

Robert Kenyon is representing Reform UK in the Makerfield by-election.

Restore Britain - Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd is representing Restore Britain in the Makerfield by-election.

Conservative Party - Michael Winstanley

Michael Winstanley is representing the Conservatives in the Makerfield-by-election.

The Official Monster Raving Loony Party - Alan "Howlin" Laud Hope

Alan "Howlin" Laud Hope is representing The Monster Raving Loony Party in the Makerfield-by-election.

How can people vote?

People can vote:

In person at a polling station

By post

By proxy

More information is available on the Electoral Commission website.

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