Full Breakdown
Green Party Candidate Withdraws Hours After Announcement, Prompting Reopened Nominations for Makerfield By-Election
5/22/2026, 1:47:41 AM
Candidate Withdrawal Triggers Reopened Nominations
Chris Kennedy, a registered nurse and children’s safeguarding specialist, withdrew from the Makerfield by-election on the same day his candidacy was announced. The Green Party of England and Wales said the withdrawal was for “personal and family reasons” and immediately reopened its nomination process, with the party deadline for confirming a new candidate set for 4 p.m. on Tuesday, 26 May.
By-Election Context
The by-election was called after Labour MP Josh Simons resigned to allow Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to contest the seat. Burnham’s entry has heightened national interest, with candidates from Labour, the Conservatives, Reform UK, Restore Britain, the Official Monster Raving Loony Party and others already declared.
Timeline of the Withdrawal
- 8:20 a.m., Thursday – The Green Party announced Kennedy’s candidacy on X (formerly Twitter).
- 4:42 p.m., same day – An email from the party confirmed Kennedy’s withdrawal.
- 26 May, 4 p.m. – Deadline for parties to submit final nominees.
- 18 June – Scheduled date for the Makerfield by-election.
Key Figures
- Chris Kennedy – Initial Green candidate, withdrew.
- Zack Polanski – Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales.
- Andy Burnham – Labour candidate and former Greater Manchester Mayor.
- Robert Kenyon – Reform UK candidate.
- Rebecca Shepherd – Restore Britain candidate.
- Michael Winstanley – Conservative candidate.
- Maria Deery – Green candidate who appeared on the ballot after the nomination reopening.
Election Results (Post-by-election)
Official Statements & Party Response
A Green Party spokesperson said the party “wishes Chris the best and understands that family has to come first,” and emphasized the need to “offer Makerfield a real choice.” The spokesperson added that the party would “redouble efforts to expose the risk of Reform, a party that seeks to divide our communities.” Polanski framed the contest as a test of policies on wealth redistribution, cost-of-living relief, affordable housing and public-service protection.
Criticism & Opposition
Polanski identified Reform UK as the “greatest threat” in the race, describing it as “in hock to corporate interests” and accusing it of dividing communities rather than uniting them. He argued that many voters are “fed up with the status quo” and see only Reform or the Greens as viable alternatives.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We wish Chris the best and understand that family has to come first.” — Green Party spokesperson
- “We will also be redoubling our efforts on campaigning to expose the risk of Reform, a party who seeks to divide our communities.” — Green Party spokesperson
- “This election has to be about how to make the super-rich pay their fair share, how we tackle the cost-of-living crisis with lower bills and affordable housing, and how we protect our public services and our green spaces.” — Green Party spokesperson
- “It is in hock to corporate interests and seeks to divide our communities rather than uniting them.” — Zack Polanski, Green Party leader
- “We know there are many voters fed up with the status quo who will only choose between Reform and Greens.” — Zack Polanski
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Early coverage identified only Kennedy’s withdrawal and the reopening of nominations, without naming a replacement candidate. Subsequent results list Maria Deery as the Green candidate, indicating a gap between the initial announcement and the final ballot. No further details on Kennedy’s personal reasons were provided.
What’s Next
The Makerfield by-election proceeds on 18 June with a new Green candidate. The outcome will test the party’s ability to regain a foothold after the abrupt withdrawal and to challenge Reform UK’s growing presence in the constituency.
