Conservatives and Liberal Democrats announce their candidates for mayoral by-election

The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have confirmed who will be standing for each respective party at the upcoming Greater Manchester mayoral by-election.

The Tory candidate will be Phil Eckersley. He currently serves as a councillor in Trafford, and is the party’s deputy leader on the council, as well as their shadow executive member for health and care.

Eckersley founded Wigan’s Bridgewater Home Care in 2010. The Conservative Party said that he has: “grown it into a successful care business supporting vulnerable and older people across the region, while employing more than 100 staff.”

On his candidacy, Eckersley said: "I am honoured to have been selected... Greater Manchester is my home, and it's a region with enormous potential, but too often decisions are made with a focus on Manchester city centre - with the outer boroughs getting left behind."

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats have announced that Richard Kilpatrick, a member of East Didsbury council and former teacher, will be their candidate for mayor. He has pledged to "tackle the cost of living crisis, improve public services and deliver desperately needed housing for the region", should he be elected next month.

So far, the following candidates have been announced for the by-election taking place on the 30th July, which was called following the resignation of Andy Burnham after he was elected MP for Makerfield earlier this month:

Sian Astley (Reform UK)

Geraldine Coggins (Green Party)

Bev Craig (Labour)

Marlon West (Restore Britain)