On a drizzly Thursday morning in Greater Manchester, voters are queueing outside a church hall to cast their ballots in the Makerfield by-election. But this is not just a local affair: with 14 candidates on the ballot and the result set to send ripples through Westminster, by-elections like this one offer a snapshot of the national mood.
A by-election is a special election held between general elections to fill a vacant seat in the House of Commons. When an MP resigns, dies, or is disqualified, a by-election is triggered in their constituency. In this case, the seat became vacant after Labour MP Josh Simons resigned. The poll is open from 7am to 10pm, and voters must bring a valid form of photo ID – such as a passport, driving licence, or bus pass – to vote. The result is expected early on Friday 19 June 2026.
“An explainer on by-elections: what they are, why they happen, and their significance for UK politics.”
By-elections are rare but consequential. They allow voters to choose a new representative without waiting for the next general election, which can be up to five years away. Historically, by-elections have been used by the electorate to send protest messages to the governing party, and they can shift the balance of power in a finely balanced parliament. For example, a surprise defeat for the governing party in a safe seat can embolden opposition and trigger leadership speculation.
The mechanism behind by-elections is straightforward: when an MP leaves their post – by resignation, death, or election to a devolved legislature – the party whip is withdrawn, and a new election is called. The election is run by the local returning officer following the same rules as a general election, but on a smaller scale. Candidates must submit nomination papers, and the campaign period typically lasts a few weeks. Voter ID rules apply, as introduced by the Elections Act 2022.
For UK readers, by-elections matter for several reasons. First, they can change the government's working majority. If the governing party loses a by-election in a seat it previously held, its ability to pass legislation becomes more precarious. Second, they act as a barometer of public opinion, often reflecting dissatisfaction with the government's performance on issues like the economy, NHS, or immigration. Third, they offer voters a direct opportunity to hold their MP accountable – or to choose a new representative if the previous one has let them down.
Q: What is a by-election? A by-election is a special election held between general elections to replace a Member of Parliament (MP) who has resigned, died, or become disqualified. It is conducted in the same way as a general election but only affects one constituency.
Q: Why are by-elections important? By-elections can shift the balance of power in the House of Commons if a governing party loses a seat. They also test the popularity of the government and opposition parties, and can influence policy direction or even trigger a change in party leadership.
Q: How do I vote in a by-election? You must be registered to vote and bring accepted photo ID, such as a passport, driving licence, or blue badge. Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm. Check your local council website for details of your polling station and the candidates standing.
What happens next? After polls close, the votes will be counted overnight, with the result expected early on Friday 19 June. The winner will take their seat in the Commons, and political analysts will pore over the swing in votes to gauge the national mood. With two other by-elections happening the same day in Scotland, the results could collectively reshape political narratives ahead of the next general election.