Bolton by-election called after newly elected MP quits role

One of Bolton’s newly elected MPs has quit his role as a Manchester councillor.

Phil Brickell, who was a Labour member for the ward of Baguley and Newall Green on Manchester City Council, has resigned from that role after being elected to parliament on July 4 to represent the Bolton West constituency.

He said he wanted his new job in Westminster to be his ‘sole focus’. He has been a Manchester councillor since May, 2023.

That means a by election will take place to elect a replacement councillor on Thursday, September 5. The council has published a notice of election for a vacancy for the Baguley ward with nominations for candidates for the seat being accepted until Thursday, August 8.

READ MORE: Mum in Manchester Airport video reveals injuries after being 'attacked'

Those living in the ward who aren’t currently included in the register of electors who wish to vote, have until Monday, August 19 to register. The by election will mean voters in Baguley will have been to the polls three times in little over three months including last month’s general election.

Join the Manchester Politics WhatsApp group here

On May 2 in city council elections Labour’s Tracey Rawlins took the seat with 1,586 votes with Luke Berry for the Conservatives in second, polling 423. Mr Brickell, a former NHS worker who describes himself as ‘a Bolton lad born and bred’ gained his seat in parliament by beating incumbent Conservative MP Chris Green.

He won the support of 17,363 voters with Chris Green in second with 12,418. A full list of candidates standing in Baguley is expected to be published by Manchester City Council on Friday, August 9.

Mr Brickell said: “As I promised during the general election campaign, my sole focus will be on