The Green Party is currently embroiled in an internal debate regarding its strategy for the upcoming Makerfield by-election, scheduled for June 18, 2024. The party is considering how aggressively to campaign against Labour's Andy Burnham, the current Mayor of Greater Manchester, who is seeking to return to Westminster. Senior figures within the Green Party, including Zack Polanski, are weighing the potential benefits of a softer approach to avoid splitting the vote and allowing Reform UK to gain ground. Former Green leader Caroline Lucas has urged Polanski to prioritize national interests over party loyalty, suggesting that a united front could be more effective against Burnham. Meanwhile, Reform UK has announced local plumber Robert Kenyon as their candidate, while the Conservatives are also expected to select theirs soon. Former Tory MP Lord Craig Mackinlay has called for collaboration among Right-wing parties to prevent a Left-wing coalition, warning that the Greens and Labour could form a 'rainbow alliance' that poses a significant risk. However, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has dismissed the idea of forming any deals with Farage's party, reinforcing her commitment to field a candidate in the by-election.