Residents of Stretford and Urmston take to the polls today (December 15) to elect a replacement for Kate Green.

UPDATE: Andrew Western becomes MP for Stretford and Urmston.

Ms Green, the MP for the area since 2010, was confirmed last week as the Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester. 

Rules state a Metro Mayor such as Andy Burnham or their Deputy Mayor cannot continue to be an MP if their role includes power over the police.

As this is the case for Mr Burnham and Ms Green, residents of Stretford and Urmston are in need of a replacement.

The candidates for the larger parties in order of their performance at the last election are Trafford Council leader Andrew Western (Labour Party), communications professional Emily Carter-Kandola (Conservative Party), Trafford General doctor Anna Fryer (Liberal Democrats) and Altrincham Ward councillor Dan Jerrome (Green Party).

There are also several candidates for the smaller parties in the form of Christina Glancy (Freedom Alliance), Paul Swansborough (Reform UK), Jim Newell (Rejoin EU) and Julien Yvon (Social Democrats), as well as an independent in the form of Hazel Gibb.

READ MORE: Stretford and Urmston by-election – what, who, when, where, why?

Anything other than a win for Cllr Western would be a significant shock in what is a safe seat for the Labour Party since its creation 25 years ago.

In fact, there are predictions of an increase in the party's 60 per cent share of the vote at the last election, in line with what happened in the City of Chester by-election at the start of this month.

If indeed it is a win for Cllr Western, this is set to lead to a change of leadership at the town hall, although there is nothing to stop him remaining as a councillor at least until the end of his term.

The polls close at 10pm today (December 15) and a count starts soon afterwards.

The results are set to be announced in the early hours of Friday at Old Trafford.

For all the results and reaction on the night, go to messengernewspapers.co.uk. 

This article was written by Jack Tooth. Jack is the reporter for The Messenger and covers anything and everything from within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford.

To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.