The Green Party has confirmed that Sarah Wakefield will stand as its candidate in the upcoming Makerfield by-election, replacing former candidate Chris Kennedy who withdrew from the race earlier this month.
Sarah Wakefield, who currently serves as a councillor on Manchester City Council, was officially announced by the party on Tuesday morning. The by-election is scheduled to take place on June 18th following the resignation of former Labour MP Josh Simons.
According to the Green Party, Wakefield is 38 years old, a mother of two children, and currently on maternity leave from her role as a charity director. The party said she has previously worked in retail with a focus on sustainable food and also serves as a trustee for a community organisation.
In a statement released by the party, Sarah Wakefield said she was “proud” to represent the Greens in the by-election and urged voters to “vote in hope” rather than “vote in anger”. She also said the Green Party would challenge what she described as the “divisive politics” of Reform UK.
A High-Profile Contest
The Makerfield by-election is attracting national political attention, largely due to the candidacy of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who is standing for Labour in an attempt to return to Westminster.
Political commentators have described the contest as an important test for Labour, Reform UK and the Greens, particularly following the Green Party’s recent by-election success in Gorton and Denton earlier this year.
The Green Party’s original Makerfield candidate, Chris Kennedy, withdrew less than a day after being announced following controversy surrounding past social media posts. The party subsequently reopened nominations before selecting Wakefield.
Green Party Looking to Build Momentum
The Greens have been attempting to build on recent electoral momentum under party leader Zack Polanski, with the party hoping to appeal to voters dissatisfied with both Labour and Reform UK.
While some senior Green figures had previously suggested the party may scale back campaigning efforts in Makerfield to avoid splitting the progressive vote, the selection of Sarah Wakefield confirms the party intends to actively contest the seat.
Voters in Makerfield are expected to head to the polls on Thursday, June 18th.