Full Breakdown
Green Party Names Sarah Wakefield as Makerfield By-Election Candidate
5/26/2026, 11:27:36 AM
Candidate Selection After Controversial Withdrawal
On 26 May 2026 the Green Party named Manchester City Councillor Sarah Wakefield as its Makerfield by-election candidate, replacing Chris Kennedy who withdrew amid controversy.
Background & Context
The by-election follows Labour MP Josh Simons’s resignation and is set for 18 June 2026. It follows Greens’ win in Gorton and Denton, where they beat a 13,000-vote Labour majority and Reform UK.
Key Actors
Key actors include Sarah Wakefield (Manchester councillor, charity director), former candidate Chris Kennedy (nurse), Caroline Lucas, Green peer Jenny Jones, party spokesperson, and Andy Burnham, who faces a Reform UK challenge.
Official Statements & Responses
Wakefield stressed voters’ right to choice and a hopeful outlook. Spokesperson said Kennedy’s posts “don’t reflect the views of The Green Party” and noted his apology. Lucas urged prioritising country over party; Jones argued the Greens must give voters a chance.
Criticism & Opposition Within the Greens
Green officials questioned allocating resources to Makerfield, fearing Labour dominance may limit returns. Some cited Lucas’s call to put country first, suggesting the party should not block Andy Burnham’s Westminster return.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The party’s statement cites “personal and family reasons” for Kennedy’s withdrawal, while other reports stress his apology for a video calling a London Jewish ambulance attack a “false flag.” Impact remains unclear.
Implications for the Election
Wakefield’s run tests whether the Greens can translate the Gorton and Denton surge into a Labour seat. The outcome may shape Reform UK’s momentum, Labour’s vulnerability, and the party’s resource strategy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We showed in Gorton and Denton we can take on and beat Reform, whose backward-looking and divisive politics needs to be challenged head-on with a message that the future can be better and fairer than the failed status quo. Don’t vote in anger, vote in hope.” — Sarah Wakefield, Green Party candidate
- “Lucas said on social media: “There are times when it’s more important to put country before party.” — Caroline Lucas, former Green MP
- “We are a political party that owes it to voters to give them the chance to vote Green. Plus, this is a mess of Labour’s own making. They are playing games. We are looking to replace them.” — Jenny Jones, Green peer
- “These posts don't reflect the views of The Green Party. We have spoken to Chris about these posts, and he has now deleted them. He apologises for the offence caused.” — Green Party spokesperson
What’s Next
The Makerfield by-election will be held on 18 June 2026. Voter turnout and the performance of Reform UK and Labour will determine if the Greens can secure a parliamentary seat.
