A By-Election has been called in the Ward of Barton and Winton following the death of Councillor David Lancaster in February 2026.

The ward in Eccles was due to be re-elected in May’s local election, following its creation back in 2021. In the announcement of the By-Election, the Returning Officer for the City Council, Stephen Young, said “We had hoped to combine electing a new representative for this ward with May’s Local elections… However, under electoral law, the local authority must open the polls … within 35 working days of two registered voters requesting one”. Twenty wards will be contested in May’s Local Elections, the majority being held by Labour at the moment.

The ward was held by Councillor David Lancaster MBE until his death in February 2026. Two councillors currently cover the ward, Jacqui Fahy and John Mullen. Both of which are Labour Councillors.

Soon after Lancaster’s death, Paul Dennett, who is the City Mayor for Salford, praised Lancaster’s service to the council. He added “Over those six decades, Councillor Lancaster experienced so many proud and at times humbling moments, each one contributing to the story of a man who served Salford with unwavering commitment.” He was the longest serving councillor in England.

The By-Election follows one for the Westminster seat of Gorton and Denton on the 26th February 2026, in which the Green Party won their first Northern Seat with Hannah Spencer. She won with a majority of 4,402, with Reform UK taking second place.

Currently, no candidates have been announced. Nominations to be a candidate will close on the 24th March 2026 at 4pm. In the last election in 2022, the ward was contested by Labour, Conservatives, and Liberal Democrats. That election was for Mullen’s seat on the council.

The by-election will take place on Wednesday 22nd April 2026, with the opportunity to register to vote closing on Tuesday 7th April 2026.