Makerfield by-election LIVE as candidates taking part in MEN hustings

As well as our MEN hustings, we’ll also be bringing you updates from the Makerfield by-election campaigns and the wider politics events of the day.

Labour have now accused Reform of “dragging politics into the gutter” after one of the party’s councillors posted a fake poll about the by-election.

Sarah Mason claimed Reform and Labour are neck-and-neck a week out from polling day, with both candidates at 44 per cent. The Scarborough councillor has now deleted the post.

A Labour Party Spokesperson, responding to reports of Reform misinformation, said: “Reform are dragging politics into the gutter. They’re stooping to new lows online because they know Robert Kenyon isn’t fit to be an MP – yet they won’t admit it.

“Instead of spreading misinformation online they should be forcing their candidate to apologise to the public for the vile comments he’s made about women and disgusting false narratives he’s peddled over the Manchester Arena bombing.

“While Reform continues to be mired in scandal and they reach for desperate underhand tactics, Labour’s Andy Burnham is determined to deliver the investment and fairer future all communities across Makerfield deserve. Send Reform packing next week – vote for Labour’s Andy Burnham on Thursday 18 June.”