Reform UK Candidate Branded ‘Coward’ After Election No-Show

Reform UK mayoral candidate Sian Astley withdrew from a final election hustings event after organizers barred an independent candidate from participating, according to reports from local media. Greater Manchester voters head to the polls on Thursday to choose a new mayor following the resignation of Andy Burnham.

Greater Manchester Hustings Disrupted by Candidate Withdrawal

The final mayoral debate faced immediate disruption when The Mill’s founder and editor, Joshi Herrmann, announced at the Friends’ Meeting House on Mount Street that Reform UK’s Sian Astley had pulled out of the event. According to eyewitness accounts reported by local journalists, the empty-chaired announcement drew cries of “chicken” from sections of the packed 90-minute gathering.

Astley’s name card remained on the table while four other candidates took the stage: Phil Eckersley for the Conservatives, Geraldine Coggins for the Green Party, Bev Craig for Labour, and Richard Kilpatrick for the Liberal Democrats.

Social Media Response and Independent Candidate Exclusion

Following her withdrawal, Astley posted a video online showing independent candidate Marcus Farmer arguing with Herrmann outside the venue. According to Astley’s statement on social media, she exited the event because Farmer was prevented from participating while other candidates faced no such barriers.

“Their response when asked was that it was incumbent on him to ask to participate, but no other candidate had to ask,” Astley wrote online. She added that she did not find Farmer intimidating during the heated exchange outside.

Organizer Explanation and Rival Candidate Platforms

According to Herrmann, Farmer had not officially declared himself as a candidate when organizers initially announced the event. Herrmann stated that the local businessman did not approach The Mill until the day of the debate, though Farmer claimed in the shared video that he had emailed earlier.

With the debate proceeding without Astley or Farmer, the remaining candidates outlined their core policy pledges to voters. Green Party representative Geraldine Coggins promised to take Greater Manchester back from big money, while Labour candidate Bev Craig pledged to put more money into people’s pockets. Phil Eckersley introduced himself as the friendly Conservative candidate, and Liberal Democrat Richard Kilpatrick told the audience that politics is broken.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election?

Voters go to the polls on Thursday to select a new mayor following the resignation of Andy Burnham.

Which candidates participated in the final hustings?

Phil Eckersley (Conservatives), Geraldine Coggins (Green Party), Bev Craig (Labour), and Richard Kilpatrick (Liberal Democrats) participated after Reform UK’s Sian Astley withdrew.

Why did Sian Astley pull out of the debate?

According to her social media statements, Astley withdrew in protest after independent candidate Marcus Farmer was prevented from taking part.