Makerfield by-election contest date confirmed

The date for the parliamentary by-election in Makerfield has been formally confirmed for Thursday 18 June.

The writ for the by-election - which was triggered by the resignation of sitting Labour MP Josh Simons - has been moved by the Commons speaker.

A by-election must take place between 21 and 27 working days from the issuing of the writ.

A notice posted by Wigan Council said applications to register to vote must be submitted by midnight on Tuesday 2 June.

This seat, which was formed in 1983 from Makerfield, parts of the Ince, Wigan, and Leigh constituencies, was won by Simons in 2024 with a 5,399 majority over Reform UK.

A full list of candidates, which is being updated as they are announced, can be found here.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.