Greens select Chris Kennedy for Makerfield byelection amid strategic caution

The Green Party has selected Chris Kennedy as its candidate for the Makerfield byelection scheduled for 18 June 2026. Kennedy, a nurse and children’s safeguarding specialist, was chosen by local party members following a hustings on Wednesday. The selection comes amidst reports that the party is exercising caution regarding resource investment in the contest, with senior figures concerned that a robust campaign could split the progressive vote and inadvertently benefit the Reform UK candidate.

Internal discussions within the Green Party have reportedly been characterised as a “very civilised” debate regarding the scale of the campaign. One senior party figure told the Financial Times that the party wished to avoid a scenario where Labour could claim that voting Green effectively votes for Reform. This concern stems from fears that such a narrative could be exploited by political opponents for the remainder of the parliamentary term. Another senior Green indicated that the approach would differ significantly from previous campaigns in Gorton and Denton, suggesting a more measured level of local engagement rather than a full national resource deployment.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski welcomed Kennedy’s appointment, describing him as a “fantastic candidate”. Polanski stated that the campaign would centre on policy issues including lower bills, housing affordability, and economic fairness. He also emphasised the intention to scrutinise Labour’s candidate, Andy Burnham, questioning his commitment to fair voting, public ownership, and a new economic settlement based on recent interviews. Polanski noted that the byelection would be used to press Burnham on what kind of prime minister he would be, given his mixed track record.

The field for the byelection includes several other established political figures. Reform UK has nominated Robert Kenyon, a self-employed plumber, while the Conservative Party has selected Michael Winstanley, a former mayor of Wigan. Kennedy expressed pride in his selection, stating that the campaign aims to defend the area against politics of hate and division while avoiding domination by Westminster political dramas.

Prior to Kennedy’s selection, The Times reported that Hayley Pierce, a portrait artist, had been considered the frontrunner. However, her prospects were reportedly damaged by the publication of social media posts by the newspaper. The Green Party was approached for further comment regarding the selection process and the reported internal dynamics surrounding resource allocation.