Makerfield by-election RECAP as candidates appear on BBC Question Time

The drama continues in the run-up to the Makerfield by-election on June 18.

Tonight, BBC’s Question Time was broadcast live from Makerfield, where Fiona Bruce presenting a special programme from the constituency.

On the panel were: Labour mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham; Robert Kenyon of Reform UK; Michael Winstanley from the Conservatives; Jake Austin from the Lib Dems and Sarah Wakefield of the Green Party.

Other candidates running in the Makerfield by-election are Count Binface for the Count Binface Party; Dan Clarke for the Libertarian Party; Ed Gemmell for the Climate Party; Robert Pownall, an independent; and Rebecca Shepherd for Restore Britain.

Click here for our dedicated Makerfield by-election newsletter with the latest updates and analysis

Earlier today, new data revealed that Reform UK received £9 million from donors in the first quarter of the year, the largest amount given to any political party in that period.

Elsewhere, The Prime Minister accused tech billionaire Elon Musk of trying to “whip up division” over the tragic murder of Henry Nowak. The student was 18 when he was stabbed by 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa in Southampton in December 2025.

Sir Keir Starmer accused Musk of “interfering in our politics”, adding: “In Britain, we are reasonable, tolerant people.”

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage issued a statement calling for ‘pure, cold rage’ on Tuesday morning, despite the pleas of Henry’s father not to use his son’s death to stoke further division in society.

Join our new Makerfield by-election WhatsApp community by clicking this link for the latest news. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

We’ll bring you the latest in the live blog below…