The Labour Party has announced Catherine Goodyer as its candidate for the upcoming Barton and Winton by-election, set to take place on 22 April.
The election was triggered after the death of long-standing local councillor David Lancaster MBE, with two ward residents formally requesting that Salford City Council call an early by-election. The timing has drawn criticism from local Labour representatives, who say the move came before Councillor Lancaster had been laid to rest.
Party officials have also raised concerns about the proximity of the by-election to the scheduled city-wide local elections on 7 May, warning of the additional cost to the council of holding two votes within such a short period.
Catherine Goodyer, a local resident and professional caseworker and community support worker, has been selected to contest the seat. She has lived in the ward for seven years and says her campaign will focus on accessibility, practical support for residents, and strengthening community ties.
Her priorities include improving access to local representation through regular surgeries and flexible communication, tackling issues such as littering, fly-tipping and street safety, and supporting community organisations and facilities. These include The Castle Community Centre, as well as grass-roots sports clubs such as Salford City Roosters and Winton Wanderers.
Goodyer said she hopes to continue the tradition of service associated with the late Councillor Lancaster, while working alongside existing ward councillors and the wider Labour team.
Speaking about her candidacy, she said:
“Barton and Winton is where I work, where I am raising my family, and it is my home. I see the same issues residents do every day because I walk these same streets.
“My career has been about listening to people’s challenges and working with them to navigate complicated systems to find solutions. Whether it is holding housing providers and private landlords to account, supporting families through the benefits system or ensuring council services deliver, I know how to get results.”
She also urged residents to be aware of the two upcoming votes this spring and to ensure they are registered.
“It is really important that the people of Barton and Winton are made aware that there will be two local elections this spring,” she added. “I am urging residents to register to vote as soon as possible if they have not already done so.”
The Barton and Winton by-election will take place on 22 April, followed by wider local elections across Salford on 7 May.
