Greens to contest Makerfield byelection
Decision undermines speculation of a stand-down deal and challenges Labour’s narrow majority against a strong Reform UK challenge
The Green Party has confirmed it will field a candidate in the upcoming Makerfield byelection, rejecting speculation that it would stand aside to prevent a Reform UK victory. The decision complicates the bid of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to return to parliament, as he seeks the Labour nomination to replace the resigning sitting MP, Josh Simons.
A Green Party spokesperson stated on Friday morning that candidate selection for the Makerfield byelection is already underway, citing lessons learned from their win in Gorton and Denton in February. The Greens’ decentralised structure means local members choose candidates, limiting the national leadership’s ability to force a stand-down agreement.
Labour holds a narrow majority of just over 5,000 in Makerfield, with Reform UK expected to mount a strong challenge after finishing second in the 2024 general election. Reform UK won all nine seats being contested for the Makerfield constituency on Wigan council in recent local elections.
Josh Simons announced his resignation on Thursday, citing a loss of public trust and the need for radical political reform. Burnham confirmed he will ask the National Executive Committee (NEC) to allow him to contest Makerfield, a move that would trigger a separate byelection for his mayoralty.
Downing Street has indicated it will permit Burnham to stand in Makerfield, despite the NEC previously blocking him from contesting the Gorton and Denton byelection. Burnham has indicated he may support electoral reform if he becomes prime minister, a concession previously mooted as part of a potential deal with the Greens to stand aside.