Rochdale WILL have a by-election after MP’s death as next general election not expected until second half of 2024

A by-election will be held in Rochdale this year after the death of the seat’s MP, Sir Tony Lloyd on 17 January.

Mr Lloyd, 73, died last week, just days after revealing his blood cancer had developed into an “aggressive and untreatable” form of leukaemia. 
 

Read more: Rochdale MP Sir Tony Lloyd dies just days after revealing terminal diagnosisPublished: 17 January 2024

Following his death, local voters in Rochdale, Littleborough, Wardle, Milnrow and Newhey will elect a new Member of Parliament at a by-election ahead of the next general election.

By-elections are held when a seat becomes vacant, with an MP of the same party in a neighbouring constituency managing constituency matters in the interim.

A by-election can be held when an MP resigns or dies, is declared bankrupt, takes a seat in the House of Lords or is convicted of a serious criminal offence. A motion requesting a new MP is usually issued within three months of the vacancy, but there have been a few times when seats remained vacant longer than six months.

 

 

If a seat is left vacant towards the end of a Parliament, they are then filled at a general election.

A date for the by-election is yet to be determined and it could be held in early May when there will be local elections held for Rochdale Council.

The date of the next general election has not yet been announced, although the current Parliament will automatically dissolve on Tuesday 17 December 2024, unless it has been dissolved sooner by the King.

Polling day would be expected to take place 25 days later.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said he expects to call a general election "in the second half" of 2024.

To vote in the by-election, you will need to be registered to vote. If you are not registered, you will need to apply.

For more information about registering to vote, please visit: www.rochdale.gov.uk/elections-voting/register-vote