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.
Calling All Musicians
'From The Other' are working with music producer Charlie Deakin Davies (Laura Marling, Gary Barlow, FRED, James Bay, RAYE + more) and a group of Salford’s most exciting professional musicians (names TBA) to produce a collection of new songs about life in the city today.
They are now opening the doors for a final collaborator to join the project. Could it be you?
Applicants should be musicians and songwriters who write or perform with original new music, which can be any musical genre. They are looking for people with an authentic connection to Salford, such as being born, raised, living or working in the city.
This is a paid opportunity. Application deadline: Thursday 19 February 2026.
Apply now: https://fromtheother.com/songsofsalford
Media City Half Marathon Returns For 2026
The Media City Half Marathon returns on Sunday 15 February 2026, offering runners a fast, closed-road course through MediaCityUK, Salford Quays and Eccles, in support of Mind in Salford.
Organised by RunThrough, this popular early-season race is known for its flat, two-lap route making it ideal for runners chasing a personal best or tackling the half marathon distance for the first time.
Starting and finishing at MediaCityUK, the course combines wide roads and scenic waterside paths, with accurate kilometre markers and plenty of on-course support.
Event Details
Event: Media City Half Marathon February 2026
Date: Sunday 15 February 2026
Location: MediaCityUK, Salford
Start Time: 9am
Distance: Half Marathon
Charity Partner: Mind in Salford
With its vibrant setting and supportive atmosphere, the Media City Half Marathon is a firm favourite for runners across the North West and beyond.
For more information and to enter, visit: www.runthroughtickets.com