Andy Burnham confirmed as Labour candidate for Makerfield byelection

Party confirms that no other candidates have been shortlisted for election expected to take place on 18 June

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Andy Burnham has been confirmed as the candidate for the Makerfield byelection as Labour’s national executive committee rubber-stamped the mayor of Greater Manchester.

Labour confirmed no other candidates had been shortlisted in the seat vacated by Josh Simons – with the byelection now widely expected to take place on 18 June , once the date is confirmed by Commons authorities.