Green Party Candidate Quits Makerfield By-Election Within Hours, Forcing June 18 Replacement Search
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 21
Green Party Candidate Quits Makerfield By-Election Within Hours, Forcing June 18 Replacement Search
10 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 21
Chris Kennedy withdrew from the Makerfield by-election just hours after the Green Party announced him as its candidate, citing personal and family reasons tied to caring responsibilities.
The party said the decision was made jointly with Kennedy, a registered nurse and children's safeguarding specialist, and that nominations will reopen before a replacement is chosen on Monday.
The June 18 contest in Greater Manchester was triggered by Labour MP Josh Simons' resignation to give Mayor Andy Burnham a chance to seek a return to Westminster.
Five other parties have already named candidates, leaving the Greens scrambling to restore their lineup in a race that has only just begun.
With Labour's future on the line, will the Green Party's new candidate play kingmaker or spoiler in the Makerfield race?
Will Andy Burnham's high-stakes gamble for Westminster be thwarted by the surging Reform UK party?