Voters Cast Ballots in Makerfield By-Election Amid Three UK Polls

Voters in Greater Manchester's Makerfield constituency are voting in a by-election to replace Labour MP Josh Simons. Over 30 polling stations are open from 07:00 to 22:00 BST, with results expected Friday. Voters must bring valid ID, including passports or driving licences.

Polling Opens in Makerfield By-Election

Residents of the Greater Manchester parliamentary constituency of Makerfield are currently voting to choose their new Member of Parliament (MP).

Polling stations, numbering over 30 across the constituency, opened at 07:00 BST and will remain open until 22:00 BST. The vote count will commence immediately after the polls close, with the outcome anticipated early on Friday.

Two people walk under a sign, one pushing a pram, along a roadside in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Greater Manchester. — There are more than 30 polling stations spread across the Makerfield constituency

Candidates and Context

The by-election features 14 candidates competing to fill the seat vacated by Labour MP Josh Simons, whose resignation prompted this election.

This by-election is one of three Westminster by-elections occurring simultaneously. Voters in the Scottish constituencies of Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, as well as Aberdeen South, are also participating in elections following their MPs’ resignations to assume roles as Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) after the May Holyrood elections.

Voter Identification Requirements

Electors have been advised to bring valid identification to the polling stations. Acceptable forms of ID include passports, driving licences, bus passes, blue badges, and voter authority certificates.

Expired photo IDs are still permissible provided the photograph remains a recognizable likeness of the voter.

Candidate List

The full list of candidates for the Makerfield by-election, arranged alphabetically by surname, has been published to inform voters ahead of casting their ballots.