STORY
The Green Party has said it will still contest the Makerfield by-election despite calls from senior party figures for it to step aside to improve Andy Burnham’s chances against Reform UK.
Ellie Chowns, the party’s Westminster leader, said it was important that the Greens stand in the contest, although she suggested the party may not run its most intensive campaign in the constituency. A group of Green councillors, activists and former leaders had argued that the party should consider standing aside if Burnham backed proportional representation.
The decision means the Makerfield contest is likely to remain a multi-party fight, with Labour, Reform and smaller parties all seeking to shape the political meaning of the by-election. The seat will be watched closely because of Burnham’s possible role in any future Labour leadership contest.