𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

The Conservatives have announced former Wigan mayor Michael Winstanley as the party’s candidate for the Makerfield by-election. He will take on Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon and Labour’s Andy Burnham in the high-stakes ballot next month. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: “I am delighted that Michael Winstanley is standing for the Conservatives in Makerfield, he will make an excellent champion of the area having lived in, worked in and represented the local community for years.”

She added: “I know there have been calls from a minority of people for the Conservatives to stand aside in this fight. That will never happen. The people of Makerfield and Britain deserve the opportunity to vote for a party that is committed to reducing the welfare bill, that champions business and understands the perils of nationalisation, that is open and transparent about who it gets its donations from and doesn’t try to hide millions in crypto funding.”

Mrs Badenoch said: “The only party on the ballot in Makerfield that offers that and a clear plan for our country is the Conservative Party, and anyone who supports those values shouldn’t hesitate to vote for Michael Winstanley in Makerfield.”

Mr Winstanley was born in Makerfield and served as a Wigan councillor for Orrell for 16 years from 2000, including a year as the town’s mayor.

He previously contested the Makerfield constituency in 1997, coming second to Labour’s Sir Ian McCartney with 15% of the vote.

Mr Winstanley said he was “honoured” to be selected, adding: “Makerfield has always been at the heart of everything I do.

“I know the pride people have in our towns and villages, but I also understand the challenges families and businesses are facing because of this Government’s decisions.

“Under Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative Party has changed and has clear plans to build stronger high streets and get Britain working again.

“This by-election is an opportunity to give Makerfield a strong local voice who understands the area and has a proven record of delivering for the area, and I am looking forward to the campaign.”

It comes as Greater Manchester Mayor Mr Burnham is eyeing a return to Westminster to challenge Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.