The Conservative Party has announced Michael Winstanley as their candidate in the Makerfield by-election, set to take place on June 18.
Mr Winstanley was born and lives in Makerfield, having grown up above his parents’ corner shop in Ashton-in-Makerfield - joining the party aged 17.
In 1997, Winstanley was selected as the Conservative candidate for the Makerfield constituency, later being elected as Wigan councillor for Orrell in 2000, where he served for 16 years.
The eager candidate said: “I am honoured to have been selected as the Conservative candidate for Makerfield. This is the community where I grew up and where I have spent my life working, volunteering and serving local people."
Kevin Hollinrake MP, Chairman of the Conservative and Unionist Party, expressed delight at Mr Winstanley's candidacy, claiming "he knows Makerfield inside out".
"Having worked with him, I know the energy, commitment and enthusiasm he will bring to this campaign," he added.
The MP continued: "This by-election is not about Andy Burnham or Nigel Farage’s ego, it is about the people of Makerfield.
"I know Michael will put the issues that matter most to local residents front and centre throughout this campaign.
Michael Winstanley with stand for the Conservatives in the Makerfield by-election on June 18
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“Michael is standing because he knows that only Kemi Badenoch and the Conservatives have the team and the plan to deliver a Stronger Economy and a Stronger Country.”
Mr Winstanley also served as Wigan’s Civic Mayor between 2010-11, with experience as a school governor at Orrell Holgate School, and as a trustee of the Mayor of Wigan’s Charity Appeal.
He has stood for the Makerfield constituency before, and has also stood as a candidate in Andy Burnham's former constituency of Leigh in the 2024 general election - where Mr Burnham held a seat from 2001 to 2017.
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Vowing to give his all to the campaign, Mr Winstanley said: “Makerfield has always been at the heart of everything I do.
"I know the pride people have in our towns and villages, but I also understand the challenges families and businesses are facing because of this Government’s decisions.
“This by-election is an opportunity to give Makerfield a strong local voice who understands the area, and has a proven record of delivering for the area and I am looking forward to the campaign.”
A party spokesman described Mr Winstanley as a "well-respected and well-known figure" within both the voluntary Conservative Party and the wider Makerfield community.
Andy Burnham has confirmed he will run in the Makerfield by-election for Labour | GETTYAmong other local achievements, he was Chairman of Makerfield Conservative Association from 1997 to 2001, and became the first Chairman of the Wigan Conservative Federation.
He currently serves as a Vice President of the Conservative Party National Convention, having previously served as President between 2024-25.
The candidate was recognised for his service to both Makerfield and the Conservative Party, when he received an OBE for Political and Public Service in the King’s Birthday Honours.
He will face Andy Burnham (Labour), Robert Kenyon (Reform UK), Rebecca Shepherd (Restore Britain), and Alan "Howlin" Laud Hope (Monster Raving Loony Party) in the June 18 contest - alongside other candidates submitted before the deadline.
The Green Party and Liberal Democrats are expected to field candidates in the coming days.