Verification of votes is now underway in the Makerfield by-election. The final result is expected in the early hours of Friday morning. The count is taking place at The Edge conference centre in Wigan town centre.
What About an Exit Poll?
Unlike general elections, exit polls are not typically conducted for single constituency by-elections. These polls involve interviewing voters as they leave polling stations to predict results as soon as voting ends. For the Makerfield by-election, no such poll is planned.
Recent Polling Data
A poll by Opinium, conducted between June 3 and 11, 2026, surveyed 543 local residents. It showed Labour leading with 46% of the vote, while Reform UK's Rob Kenyon closely followed with 41%. Fourteen candidates are contesting the seat, which became vacant after Labour's Josh Simons resigned.
Potential Impact
Labour's Andy Burnham hopes to return to Parliament and potentially replace Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister. Starmer has offered Burnham a "big" job in his government if he wins, but has made clear he will not step aside. The by-election is one of three held on June 18, alongside Aberdeen South and Arbroath and Broughty Ferry in Scotland.
We are reporting live from the counting room, where the result could change who runs the country.
