Voters in Horwich North will head to the polls on Thursday, 2 July 2026, after Bolton Council formally called a by-election to replace Independent councillor Ryan Bamforth, who stood down last month. A notice of election was published on 27 May, and candidate nominations are now being accepted for the seat.
Mr Bamforth resigned in May with roughly a year left on his four‑year term. In a statement following his departure, he said he felt a huge weight lifted and was now unshackled, adding he could smile for the first time in months. He had originally been elected under the Horwich and Blackrod First banner before sitting as an Independent and spent two years as the council’s armed forces champion.
The contest will be closely watched because the balance of power at the town hall could shift. Following the borough‑wide elections on 7 May, Labour remains the largest group with 20 seats, but the Conservatives and Reform UK are deadlocked on 10 apiece in the 60‑seat chamber. Whichever party wins Horwich North could become the new second‑largest group, reshaping negotiations and alliances. The Bolton Council elections team is accepting nominations now, and residents can check registration and postal vote deadlines via the town hall.
Horwich and Blackrod First, which previously fielded Mr Bamforth, has polled strongly in the ward in recent years and may again contest the seat. Voters should expect further candidate announcements in the coming days.
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