A by-election for Bury Council's Moorside ward has been scheduled for Thursday 18 June, after the sudden death of Reform UK candidate John Hagan led to the original vote being cancelled.

Six candidates from six parties will contest the seat, with the result likely to determine the balance of power on the council for the coming year. Both Labour and Reform UK currently hold six councillors each, and with Radcliffe First not fielding a candidate in this ward, Reform has the opportunity to move ahead and become the borough’s official opposition.

For Oldham readers with an eye on local politics in neighbouring boroughs, the outcome could also have implications for the wider Greater Manchester political landscape. The Moorside ward lies in the north of Bury town and has become the focus of attention since the death of a well‑known local figure.

John Hagan, who died suddenly in April, has been remembered as a ‘treasured foster carer’, ‘kind neighbour’ and ‘political sparring partner’ by those who knew him. He was described as a local character who frequently campaigned on housing issues and fly‑tipping in his area.

The declared candidates include Jihyun Park for the Conservative Party and Conor William Craig Priestley for the Green Party, alongside nominees from Reform UK, Labour and other parties. The full list was confirmed by Bury Council after the election was rescheduled.

Polling stations in the Moorside ward will open from 7am to 10pm on 18 June. The by‑election will fill the final vacancy on the council, giving one party a decisive edge in the chamber for the year ahead.