Chris Kennedy, the Green Party candidate for the Makerfield by-election, withdrew from the race citing personal and family reasons . The party has re-opened nominations for a replacement candidate.

The $30 million gamble on Burnham's return

The Green Party's decision to field a candidate in the Makerfield by-election was seen as a high-stakes gamble, with the party pouring significant resources into the campaign. the party's leader, Zack Polanski, had emphasized the threat posed by Nigel Farage's Reform UK, stating that the party would focus on pressing Burnham on his commitment to fair voting, public ownership, and a new economic settlement.

However, Kennedy's withdrawal has thrown the party's plans into disarray, leaving the party to re-open nominations for a replacement candidate. The move comes after a disappointing local election campaign in nearby St Helens, where Kennedy failed to secure a seat for his home town of Newton-le-Willows.

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The Green Party's campaign also saw Kennedy pledge support for Palestine and criticize corporate interests that seek to divide communities. However, the party's decision to field a candidate in the Makerfield by-election was seen as a move to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction with the status quo, offering a viable alternative to Reform UK and Labour.

The party's leader, Zack Polanski, has emphasized the threat posed by Nigel Farage's Reform UK, stating that the party would focus on pressing Burnham on his commitment to fair voting, public ownership, and a new economic settlement.

What auditors flagged in the May filing?

The party's campaign also saw Kennedy criticize by-elections and their associated costs, arguing that they divert funds from essential community services. he had previously criticized Reform UK candidates who quit after being elected, highlighting the financial burden such by-elections place on local communities.

The Makerfield by-election was triggered by Labour MP Josh Simons' resignation, allowing Andy Burnham to return to Westminster. Burnham's return is seen as a potential challenge to Sir Keir Starmer.

Why 4 ,000 unsold units became the prize

The party's decision to field a candidate in the Makerfield by-election was seen as a move to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction with the status quo, offering a viable alternative to Reform UK and Labour.

The party's campaign also saw Kennedy pledge support for Palestine and criticize corporate interests that seek to divide communities.