Arabic version: مرشح حزب الخضر ينسحب من انتخابات ماكيرفيلد الفرعية

Chris Kennedy, the Green Party’s candidate for the upcoming Makerfield by-election, has withdrawn from the race just hours after his candidacy was announced. The party confirmed that Kennedy stepped down due to “personal and family reasons.”

According to BBC News, a spokesperson for the Green Party expressed understanding of Kennedy’s decision, emphasizing the importance of family obligations. The party plans to reopen candidate nominations and will announce a replacement candidate on Monday.

The by-election, set for June 18, was prompted by the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons, who is stepping down to allow Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham the opportunity to contest the seat. Burnham’s potential return to Westminster has created a significant political landscape in the constituency.

Other parties have also announced their candidates for the by-election, including Labour’s Andy Burnham, Alan “Howlin” Laud Hope from The Official Monster Raving Loony Party, Robert Kenyon of Reform UK, Rebecca Shepherd from Restore Britain, and Michael Winstanley representing the Conservative Party.