Political parties have begun announcing their candidates for the upcoming by-election in the Greater Manchester constituency of Makerfield, triggered when Labour MP Josh Simons decided he'd rather do something else.
Wigan Council has confirmed the vote will take place on Thursday, 18 June, and several parties have so far named their candidates. Here they are, listed in alphabetical order by surname - because that's how democracy rolls.
The Liberal Democrats have chosen Jake Austin, a Stockport councillor born in the constituency who also contested the 2024 Greater Manchester mayoral election. He's clearly familiar with losing on a larger stage.
The Labour Party has officially confirmed Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as its candidate. Burnham, a former Labour government minister and the region's metropolitan mayor since 2017, is presumably hoping to trade one elected gig for another.
The Official Monster Raving Loony Party has named its leader and co-founder Alan "Howlin" Laud Hope. In a statement on social media, the party announced: "We can confirm that our glorious leader Alan 'Howlin' Laud Hope... will be standing against Andy Burnham." Because nothing says serious politics like a man whose name includes an air quote.
Reform UK has tapped Robert Kenyon, a self-employed plumber who came second to Labour's Josh Simons in the 2024 general election. He's clearly hoping to unclog the system.
The Restore Britain party has put forward Rebecca Shepherd, a businesswoman who was the first candidate officially announced on Monday. She's apparently eager to restore something, though it's unclear what.
The Conservative Party has named Michael Winstanley, who served as mayor of Wigan in 2010/11. He's probably hoping voters remember him more fondly than his party's recent track record.
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