Barton and Winton Ward By-Election Called

A by-election has been called to find a new councillor for the Barton and Winton ward in Salford, following the formal notice of election published on 4 March.

This follows the untimely passing of Councillor David Lancaster MBE in February 2026, whose contribution to Salford spanned an extraordinary 60 years of public service.

The election will take place on Wednesday 22 April 2026. Polling stations in the ward will be open from 7am to 10pm.

Nominations for candidates must be submitted by 4pm on Tuesday 24 March 2026.

Stephen Young, Returning Officer for Salford City Council, said: “Following the sad passing of Councillor Lancaster, a by-election has been called to find a new councillor to fill his seat.

“We had hoped to combine electing a new representative for this ward with May’s local elections in nine weeks’ time. However, under electoral law, the local authority must open the polls for a by-election within 35 working days of two registered voters requesting one.

“Council officers are now making arrangements for the by-election and will send out polling cards to all those registered to vote in the Barton and Winton ward.

“If you live in the ward and not registered to vote you have until midnight on Tuesday 7 April 2026 to do so, and until 5pm on the same day to apply for a postal vote. For those who don’t have an acceptable form of photo ID to show at a polling station, they can apply for a free voter authority certificate (VAC) up until 5pm on Tuesday 14 April 2026. Applications for a proxy vote must also be submitted by then. Anyone needing face-to-face help, can call into Eccles gateway.

“This is your chance to have your say on who represents your views – so make your mark at this election.”

Residents can visit the following webpages to find out more:

•       Voter registration www.salford.gov.uk/registertovote

•       Postal voting  www.salford.gov.uk/postalvote

•       Proxy voting www.salford.gov.uk/proxyvote

•       Voter ID          www.salford.gov.uk/voter-id

Visit www.salford.gov.uk/barton-winton-by-election for more details about the Barton and Winton Ward by-election including candidate names once they are confirmed in late March.

All Salford residents are encouraged to vote in the local elections on Thursday 7 May where one councillor from each ward is up for election. Visit www.salford.gov.uk/mayelections for more information about this including the various voter deadlines.

For those who need help such as accessing the government portal for a VAC, please pop into your local gateway centre, a one stop shop for a wide range of council and community services. Located across Salford in Swinton, Eccles, Pendleton, Walkden and Broughton they have free internet and are open late every weekday.