Voters head to the polls in Makerfield by-election
Polling stations are open until 10pm across the Wigan constituency
Voters across the Makerfield constituency are heading to the polls today for a parliamentary by-election.
Polling stations are open until 10pm, with the count expected to begin after polls close and results declared on Friday 19th June.
Why is there a by-election?
The by-election was triggered on 14th May 2026 when sitting Labour MP Josh Simons resigned his seat in the House of Commons.
Who is standing?
14 candidates are on the ballot:
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
Howling Laud Hope - The Official Monster Raving Loony Party
Rob Kenyon - Reform UK
Rob Pownall - Independent
Rebecca Shepherd - Restore Britain
Sarah Wakefield - Green Party
Peter Ward - Rejoin EU
Michael Winstanley - Conservative and Unionist Party
How to vote
You must bring a valid form of photo ID to vote.
Polling stations are open until 10pm tonight.
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