Lib Dems announce Makerfield by-election candidate

Lib Dems announce Makerfield by-election candidate13 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleLiberal DemocratsJake Austin is currently a Liberal Democrat councillorThe Liberal Democrats have announced Jake Austin as their candidate for next month's Makerfield by-election.The Wigan-born councillor, who represents Hazel Grove in Stockport, will stand in the contest in the Greater Manchester constituency on Thursday 18 June.The poll follows the recent resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons.Austin was also the Lib Dems' candidate in the Greater Manchester Mayoralty election in 2024.He said: "We have a real opportunity to champion the issues that matter most to people - the cost of living, protecting our natural environment and supporting our local high streets and businesses."The other confirmed candidates in the Makerfield by-election areAndy Burnham, the Labour PartyAlan "Howlin" Laud Hope, The Official Monster Raving Loony PartyMichael Winstanley, Conservative PartyRobert Kenyon, Reform UKRebecca Shepherd, Restore BritainListen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.More on this storyMakerfield by-election candidates announcedLiberal Democrats