The Makerfield by-election is taking place today.
An aerial view of a banner depicting Andy Burnham adorns the side of a home in Ashton-in-Makerfield
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Mr Simons had previously earned the seat in 2024, claiming a 5,399 majority over Reform UK during the general election.
Fourteen candidates are standing for election this time round, and the local area has been awash with MPs, journalists and activists in recent weeks ahead of the vote.
Here is everything you need to know about the Makerfield by-election.
When is the by-election taking place?
The Makerfield by-election is taking place on Thursday 18 June.
Polls are open from 7am to 10pm, and voters must bring a form of ID to be able to cast their vote.
When will we know the results?
When polls close, the count will begin shortly after 10pm on Thursday evening.
The results are then expected in the early hours of Friday morning, probably around 4 or 5am.
A “Vote Andy For Us” Labour by-election campaign placard depicting Andy Burnham
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He would be required to step down as Mayor should he become elected.
Robert Kenyon, the Reform UK candidate contesting the Makerfield by-election
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Mr Kenyon is a plumber and army reservist who also contested the seat in the 2024 general election.
The Restore Britain party has announced local businesswoman Rebecca Shepherd, 53, as its candidate in Makerfield.
A Restore Britain party by-election placard stands in a field in Ashton-in-Makerfield
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Recent polls have suggested that Restore Britain could force a split in the right-wing vote that would help Mr Burnham claim victory.
The other candidates in the by-election are:
- Jake Austin, Liberal Democrats
- Count Binface, Count Binface Party
- Dan Clarke, Libertarian Party
- John Alfred Dyer, Independent
- Ed Gemmell, Climate Party
- Paul Richard Gould, Independent
- Alan ‘Howlin’ Laud Hope, The Official Monster Raving Loony Party
- Robert Pownall, Independent
- Sarah Wakefield, Green Party
- Peter Ward, Rejoin EU
- Michael Winstanley, Conservative Party
What are the latest polls and odds saying?
According to the latest polls, Labour and Andy Burnham have the edge over Reform UK in a tight race.
Polling by Opinium for campaign group Forward democracy has Labour getting 46% of the vote, with Reform on 41% and Restore Britain on 7%.
No other party is likely to keep its deposit, with the Green Party on 3%, the Conservatives on 2% and the Liberal Democrats on 1%.
Locals in Makerfield
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Betting companies also have Labour on top, with odds shortening on Mr Burnham in recent days, and drifting on the right-wing parties.
Latest odds have Mr Burnham at 1/4, with Reform at 3/1 and Restore Britain around 20/1.
