Green Party candidate in Makerfield withdraws from race less than a day after being put forward by Zack Polanski

The Green Party's candidate for the upcoming Makerfield by-election has withdrawn from the contest, just hours after he was announced.

Local children’s safeguarding specialist Chris Kennedy has withdrawn from the race, citing "personal and family reasons".

Zack Polanski's party confirmed they would now be re-opening nominations.

More to follow...