The Green Party has selected Sarah Wakefield as its candidate for the Makerfield by-election in Greater Manchester [1].
The appointment comes as the party seeks to maintain its presence in the race despite internal and external pressures to stand aside for the Labour Party. The move follows a period of instability for the Green ticket in the constituency, which has been marked by controversy and a change in leadership.
Wakefield replaces Chris Kennedy, the former candidate who stepped down after an antisemitism controversy [4]. The party's decision to field a new candidate ensures that voters in the constituency will have a Green option on the ballot for the upcoming vote [1].
“I am proud to be representing the Green Party in the Makerfield by-election. It is vital in a democracy that…”, Wakefield said [3].
The by-election is scheduled for June 18, 2026 [1]. The contest takes place in a region of Greater Manchester where political alignments are being tested amid the fallout of the previous candidate's withdrawal [2].
Party officials confirmed the selection on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 [1]. The transition to Wakefield is intended to stabilize the campaign and refocus the party's messaging on environmental, and social policy before the June polling date [1].
“The Green Party has selected Sarah Wakefield as its candidate for the Makerfield by-election”
The decision to run a candidate despite pressure to yield to Labour indicates the Green Party's commitment to maintaining its electoral visibility. By replacing a candidate embroiled in an antisemitism row, the party is attempting to mitigate reputational damage while asserting its right to contest the seat in a competitive democratic process.
