The Green Party will commit only modest resources to next month’s Makerfield by-election, according to reports, a move that could improve Andy Burnham’s prospects of securing the constituency. Instead, the party intends to concentrate efforts on the Greater Manchester mayoral contest that would follow if Burnham returns to parliament. Greens are contesting Makerfield with Sarah Wakefield as candidate after Chris Kennedy withdrew. The campaign will target Reform UK and question Burnham’s stances on electoral reform and public ownership of utilities. Unlike the intense activist drive in February’s Gorton and Denton by-election, no large-scale mobilisation is planned for Makerfield due to its different demographics and greater distance. Several senior Greens, including Caroline Lucas and Jonathan Bartley, have urged reduced activity if Burnham backs proportional representation to avoid splitting the left-wing vote. Some members oppose scaling back, arguing the party should aim to defeat Labour. The local branch runs the effort, yet central backing is limited. A recent poll suggested a possible right-wing split, with another group placing third. Wakefield, a charity director elected to Manchester council, replaces Kennedy, who stepped down shortly after selection amid reports of past social media activity.
