Tories name former Wigan mayor for Makerfield by-election
Michael Winstanley, a former Wigan council leader and mayor, has been chosen by the Conservatives to contest the Makerfield by-election on June 18. The poll follows Labour MP Josh Simons’ resignation to clear the path for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
Michael Winstanley, a former Wigan council leader and two-term mayor, has been selected by the Conservatives to stand in the Makerfield by-election on Thursday, June 18. The constituency, which spans parts of Wigan and Leigh in Greater Manchester, will vote after Labour MP Josh Simons stepped down last month to allow Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham a clear run at the seat.
Key Points
- ✅ Michael Winstanley, former Wigan mayor, chosen as Tory candidate for Makerfield by-election
- ⚡ Poll triggered by Josh Simons’ resignation to facilitate Andy Burnham’s Westminster bid
- 💡 By-election date set for June 18 in Greater Manchester constituency
The move by the Conservatives comes as internal polling suggests Winstanley’s local roots could shift the traditionally Labour-leaning seat. Winstanley, 58, served as mayor from 2016 to 2022 and remains a councillor for Wigan Council’s Douglas ward. His selection was confirmed by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who praised his “deep ties to the community and decades of public service.”
Simon Danczuk, a former Labour MP for Rochdale, described Winstanley as a “credible local candidate” who could attract disillusioned voters. But critics argue the by-election is a political manoeuvre to boost Burnham’s profile ahead of next year’s general election.
| Candidate | Party | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Winstanley | Conservative | Former Wigan mayor and council leader |
| Andy Burnham | Labour | Greater Manchester Mayor and former MP |
| Alan "Howlin" Laud Hope | Monster Raving Loony Party | Longtime fringe political figure |
| Robert Kenyon | Reform UK | Businessman and Brexit advocate |
| Rebecca Shepherd | Restore Britain | Former local council candidate |
The by-election is already shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in years, with Reform UK and Restore Britain gaining traction among voters frustrated with the major parties. Meanwhile, Burnham, who has held the Greater Manchester mayoralty since 2017, is expected to dominate the Labour campaign despite not being the official candidate.
📋 By The Numbers
- 4 — Number of candidates declared so far in the Makerfield by-election
- 18 June — Date of the by-election
- 2016–2022 — Years Michael Winstanley served as Wigan mayor
Labour sources insist the seat remains safe, pointing to Burnham’s 62% vote share in the 2021 mayoral election. Yet insiders admit the party is taking nothing for granted, with canvassing already underway across Wigan’s terraced streets and former mining communities. The Conservatives, meanwhile, are betting on Winstanley’s personal brand to chip away at Labour’s majority.
💡 Pro Tip
Local candidates with deep community ties often outperform party heavyweights in by-elections, especially in working-class areas where name recognition matters more than national brand loyalty.
For Winstanley, the challenge is twofold: first, to distance himself from the unpopularity of the national Conservative government; second, to present himself as a bridge between Burnham’s urban progressivism and the working-class values of Wigan. His campaign launch is scheduled for next week, with a focus on pothole repairs, NHS access, and high street revival.
- Campaign Focus — Winstanley will prioritise local issues like potholes and NHS access to counter Burnham’s regional profile
- Timing — The by-election falls just months before the expected general election, making it a key test for both parties
- Voter Shift — Pollsters suggest a 7% swing from Labour to Conservative could make the seat competitive
The outcome could reshape the political map of Greater Manchester ahead of next year’s general election, with implications for both Burnham’s leadership ambitions and the Conservative Party’s hopes of regaining lost ground in the North West.