James Booth - Green Candidate, Makerfield

James Booth — Green Party Candidate, Makerfield By-Election 2026

Last updated: 25 May 2026 By-election date: Thursday 18 June 2026

Bio

Detail	Info
Full name	James Booth
Occupation	NHS nurse (20+ years)
Party	Green Party of England and Wales
Constituency	Makerfield

How They Got Selected

Selected as emergency replacement candidate after original candidate Chris Kennedy withdrew within hours of being selected on 21 May 2026. Kennedy withdrew after antisemitic social media posts resurfaced — he had shared a post calling an attack on Jewish ambulances a "false flag". The BBC reported the Green Party had selected a nurse as the replacement candidate.

Key Context

The Green Party considered not standing at all in Makerfield to avoid splitting the anti-Reform vote
Some voices within the party suggested backing Labour's Andy Burnham instead (per FT)
The decision to stand was made; James Booth was selected as candidate

Polling

Date	Pollster	Green %	Notes
23 May	Survation / Sunday Times	3%	Minor factor in the race