Story perspectives

BBC Excludes Restore as Candidate Enters Makerfield Race

6/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

The BBC omitted Restore from Question Time despite the party fielding a candidate in the Makerfield by-election.
Rebecca Shepherd is Restore’s candidate for Makerfield by-election on 18 June 2026, with the party polling about five percent.
Manchester Evening News has contacted Shepherd repeatedly since 19 May without securing an interview.
Supporters describe Shepherd as a businesswoman advocating for children with educational needs and disabilities, volunteers saying she canvasses while candidates are less visible.

History

Historical Context

In 2010 the BBC, ITV and Sky held the first UK general-election leaders’ debates, restricting participants to parties with Commons seats and sparking complaints from UKIP (which earned 3.1% of the national vote) and the SNP. The 2026 Makerfield by-election repeats this exclusion, as the BBC again left Restore’s Rebecca Shepherd off-air despite her 5% local poll.

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Story summary

The BBC omitted Restore from Question Time despite the party fielding a candidate in the Makerfield by-election.
Rebecca Shepherd is Restore’s candidate for Makerfield by-election on 18 June 2026, with the party polling about five percent.
Manchester Evening News has contacted Shepherd repeatedly since 19 May without securing an interview.
Supporters describe Shepherd as a businesswoman advocating for children with educational needs and disabilities, volunteers saying she canvasses while candidates are less visible.

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