Green Party selects nurse as Makerfield candidate

Jonny HumphriesNorth West
Green Party Chris Kennedy - a bald man with blue eyes and a brown beard - smiles at the camera Green Party
Chris Kennedy was chosen by local party members following a hustings

The Green Party has announced its candidate for the Makerfield by-election next month.

Chris Kennedy, a registered nurse and children's safeguarding specialist, was selected by local members following a hustings, the party said.

Kennedy lives locally and was raised in nearby Leigh.

The by-election, which will take place on 18 June, was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski said: "Chris will be a fantastic candidate and representative for Makerfield.

"This election is about who is making the case for lower bills, warmer and more affordable homes, and a greener and fairer economy."

Five other parties have so far announced their candidates for the Makerfield by-election:

UPDATE: 17:30 BST on 21 May 2026 - Chris Kennedy later withdrew from the contest. Please follow this link for more details

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