Tories announce Makerfield by-election candidate

The Conservative Party has named its candidate for next month's Makerfield by-election.

Former Mayor of Wigan Michael Winstanley will represent the Tories in the by-election being held in the Greater Manchester constituency on Thursday 18 June.

The poll was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons, who stepped down to allow Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham an opportunity to contest the seat and seek a return to Westminster.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said Winstanley would "make an excellent champion of the area having lived in, worked in and represented the local community for years".

Four other candidates have so far been announced as standing in the Makerfield by-election: