Chris Kennedy, the Green Party’s newly selected candidate for the Makerfield by-election, has stood down just hours after his selection was announced on 21st May 2026.
Kennedy, a registered nurse and children’s safeguarding specialist, was chosen by local members following a hustings. The party confirmed his withdrawal for “personal and family reasons” and has now reopened internal nominations.
What Happened?
21st May 2026: Green Party announces Chris Kennedy as its official candidate for the Makerfield by-election.
Later the same day: The party confirms Kennedy has withdrawn.
Nominations for all parties close on Tuesday 26th May 2026.
The by-election itself takes place on Thursday 18th June 2026.
A Green Party spokesperson said:
“We wish Chris the best and understand that family has to come first… We are re-opening nominations now because we believe people in Makerfield deserve a real choice at this by-election.”
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons. It is widely seen as a high-profile contest, with:
Andy Burnham (Mayor of Greater Manchester) selected as the Labour candidate.
Robert Kenyon standing for Reform UK.
Other candidates already confirmed include Michael Winstanley (Conservative), Rebecca Shepherd (Restore Britain), and Alan ‘Howlin’ Laud Hope (Monster Raving Loony Party).
The seat is viewed as a key battleground between Labour and Reform UK, making the Green Party’s decision on whether to field a candidate particularly sensitive.