Conservatives Select Michael Winstanley for Makerfield By-Election on 18 June

The Conservative Party has formally named Michael Winstanley as its candidate for the Makerfield by-election, scheduled for Thursday, 18 June. Winstanley, a former Mayor of Wigan, will contest the Greater Manchester constituency.

The by-election was initiated by the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons. His departure facilitates an opportunity for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to seek a return to Westminster by contesting the seat.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch stated that Winstanley would "make an excellent champion of the area having lived in, worked in and represented the local community for years."

Four other candidates have also been declared as standing in the Makerfield by-election, though their names were not provided in the original dispatch.