Skip to content

Full candidate list revealed for key by-election

Kaleigh Watterson
BBC Cheshire political reporter•kaleighnews
PA Media A generic image of a black ballot box with someone depositing a voting slipPA Media
A total of 15 people are vying to be the next MP for Runcorn and Helsby

A full list of the candidates standing in the upcoming Runcorn and Helsby by-election has been revealed.

A total of 15 people are vying to be the Cheshire constituency's next MP.

It follows the resignation of Mike Amesbury after he was sentenced for punching a constituent in a late night confrontation in Frodsham.

The by-election is the first since Labour won the general election last summer and it will take place on 1 May.

A planter with a sign saying Helsby on in Helsby, Cheshire
Voters go to the polls on 1 May

The 15 candidates, listed alphabetically, are as follows:

  • Catherine Anne Blaiklock (English Democrats)
  • Dan Clarke (Liberal Party)
  • Chris Copeman (Green Party)
  • Paul Duffy (Liberal Democrats)
  • Peter Ford (Workers Party)
  • Howling Laud Hope (Monster Raving Loony Party)
  • Sean Houlston (Conservatives)
  • Jason Philip Hughes (Volt UK)
  • Alan McKie (independent)
  • Graham Harry Moore (English Constitution Party)
  • Paul Andrew Murphy (Social Democratic Party)
  • Sarah Pochin (Reform)
  • Karen Shore (Labour)
  • John Stevens (Rejoin EU)
  • Michael Williams (independent)

What are the deadlines for voters?

For those not already registered to vote, the deadline to register or update your details to allow you to have your say is 11 April.

To register to vote by post, the deadline is 14 April.

Since May 2023, voters have had to show a valid form of photo identification at polling stations to vote in person.

Anyone who does not have photo ID can apply for a free voter authority certificate, and the deadline to apply for this is 23 April.

The deadline to apply for someone to vote on your behalf if you cannot get to a polling station is also 23 April.

Read more stories from Cheshire on the BBC and follow BBC North West on X. For more local politics coverage, BBC Politics North West is on BBC One on Sunday at 10:00am and on BBC iPlayer.