Voters in Salford will head to the polls tonight for a by-election for the Barton and Winton ward, with six candidates contesting the seat.
The vote comes at a time of pressure on local services, rising living costs, and continued debate over development, transport and environmental priorities across the city.
Polls in the Barton and Winton ward will close at 10pm. Here’s a brief roundup of who is vying for a seat on the local authority and what they stand for.
Kirsty Anne Downie (Your Party)
Kirsty Anne Downie is standing as an independent Your Party candidate on a platform centred on giving residents a stronger, independent voice in council decision-making. She describes her campaign as rooted in fairness, community, and socialist principles, with a focus on addressing the day-to-day challenges facing people in the ward.
Her key pledges include increasing council housing and introducing rent controls to tackle the housing crisis, alongside measures to ensure secure and affordable homes. She is also campaigning for safer streets and improved transport links to boost both safety and accessibility across the area.
Downie has highlighted the importance of inclusive education, saying every child should have access to the support and opportunities they need. Environmental issues also feature in her platform, with a commitment to protecting green spaces for future generations.
She is also calling for stronger action on poverty, with a focus on practical measures to support residents most in need. Overall, her campaign positions itself as a locally focused alternative aimed at delivering tangible change within the Barton and Winton community.
Anthony Ian Duke (Liberal Democrats)
Anthony Ian Duke is representing the Liberal Democrats, positioning himself as a strong opposition voice to Labour’s long-standing control of Salford City Council. His campaign centres on the argument that the council has become complacent and disconnected from residents’ needs.
Duke is focusing on practical local issues, including improving street cleanliness, ‘Clean up the Quays’, tackling anti-social behaviour, and strengthening local services.
In a statement, Duke said: “Labour has taken Salford for granted for too long — relying on its majority instead of earning residents’ trust. The result is a council that’s out of touch and failing on the basics, with residents facing rising costs and overstretched services.
Meanwhile, Liberal Democrats in opposition have delivered real wins — from late-night trams to cleaner waterways — and are focused on safer streets, cleaner neighbourhoods, stronger local services, and protecting community spaces. This election offers a clear choice: more of the same, or a fresh, community-based alternative for Salford — delivered by the Liberal Democrats.”
His campaign aims to attract voters seeking change but within a mainstream political framework, particularly those concerned about everyday local services.
Michael James Felse (Reform UK)
Michael James Felse is standing for Reform UK in the Barton and Winton by-election. He has a long history of political involvement, having previously stood in multiple elections, including Salford’s 2012 mayoral race, as well as contests in Doncaster and Dewsbury.
Felse has lived in Salford for around 30 years and describes himself as proudly working-class, with a background that includes working in a coal mine after leaving school. Outside of politics, he was also selected as Pride Queen for the 2011 Manchester Pride festival under his drag persona, Ethol Mary.
His decision to stand in the by-election follows criticism of both national and local political decisions. He has expressed frustration over issues such as government spending priorities and has been critical of Salford City Council’s handling of local opportunities.
A key part of his platform focuses on economic development, particularly plans centred around the Salford Community Stadium in Barton. He has proposed attracting significant investment into the site, alongside developing initiatives such as AI apprenticeships and a youth sports academy. He claims that this could generate revenue to support local services, reduce pressure on council tax, and contribute to wider regeneration, including improvements to Eccles town centre.
Felse is standing as part of Reform UK’s efforts to expand its presence in local government, positioning himself as an alternative to established parties in the ward.
Catherine Goodyer (Labour)
Catherine Goodyer is standing for the Labour Party, which has long held control of Salford City Council.
In a statement following her selection, Goodyer said: “I am honoured to be selected as the Labour candidate for the Barton and Winton by-election. Following the passing of Councillor David Lancaster, I have big shoes to fill, but I am ready to hit the ground running.
“I have lived in this community for seven years, and it is where I work and choose to raise my family. As a resident and caseworker, I see the challenges our community faces every day, as well as the hard work our brilliant community groups and schools put in to make Barton and Winton a great place to live.
“My entire career has been about listening to people and working alongside them to find solutions. From holding landlords to account to cleaning up our streets, I’m ready to deliver for Barton and Winton.”
Her campaign centres on her experience as a resident and caseworker, alongside a focus on addressing community issues such as housing and neighbourhood standards. As the candidate representing the incumbent party, Labour will be aiming to retain its seat in the ward.
Jack Goom (Green)
Jack Groom is representing the Green Party, positioning his campaign around both environmental priorities and wider community issues. He has highlighted that Salford has never had a Green councillor, presenting his candidacy as an opportunity for change.
Groom has been critical of both Labour and Reform UK, arguing that “Labour failures in Salford and the rest of the country are letting our communities down, and Reform only offers division,” adding that “voting Green makes hope normal again.”
His stated priorities for Barton and Winton include tackling the cost-of-living crisis, with proposals such as council tax relief for low-income households, and prioritising council housing and support for local businesses as part of Eccles’ regeneration.
On education, he is calling for stronger local oversight of schools, increased SEND provision, and more youth services and opportunities. Transport is another key focus, with proposals including a tram stop at Barton-upon-Irwell and step-free access at Eccles and Patricroft train stations.
Groom has also emphasised the role of Green councillors as independent voices, stating they are not told how to vote and can speak up for residents while holding the council to account.
His campaign may appeal to voters looking for an alternative to the main parties, particularly those concerned with both environmental issues and local public services. As with other smaller parties, a key challenge will be translating national visibility into local electoral support in a Labour-dominated area.
Holly Ann Muldoon (Conservative)
Holly Ann Muldoon is standing for the Conservative Party, offering a centre-right alternative in a ward where the party has historically faced challenges.
While detailed local pledges have not been widely published, Conservative candidates in local elections typically focus on issues such as council efficiency, value for money, and core services including waste collection, road maintenance and community safety.
As an opposition candidate, Muldoon will be aiming to attract voters seeking a change from the current Labour administration.
As polls open, the by-election presents voters with a choice between continuity and change across a range of local issues. The outcome will signal how residents feel about the current direction of Salford politics.
