Question Time is committed to ensuring a range of voices are heard and this edition was no different. Turning to panel selection on this specific occasion, we considered the matter extremely carefully and based our decision on past and current electoral support in this constituency, including the recent local elections and the last general election. We do have to make judgements that are determined by evidence of substantial electoral support. 

There is a field of fourteen candidates competing in the Makerfield by-election and it is usual practice to include in programmes those with most evidence of electoral support, but ensure the audience is given appropriate information about other candidates.

Electoral support included the recent local elections where Restore Britain did not field a candidate in the Wigan Borough Council election. Some weight is also given to any relevant opinion polls although less than actual votes or seats won. There had been one single poll asking about voting intentions in the constituency approximately two weeks before the programme, carried out shortly before the close of nominations, which we considered in making our judgement about which parties to invite onto the panel.

The programme ensured that appropriate reference was made to all candidates standing in the constituency. At both the midpoint and the end of the programme, Fiona Bruce stated: “Of course, there are other candidates. You’ve heard from five candidates on this panel. There are 14 candidates in total, and there is a full list of them on the screen for everyone to see.” Graphics were displayed on screen at these two points in the programme, showing the logos and names of all 14 Makerfield by-election candidates. Rebecca Shepherd of Restore Britain was clearly represented.

We also ensured that there was an appropriate level of people in the audience who had indicated that they intend to vote for Restore and the edition included an appropriate range of views and political perspectives.

Beyond the constituency, the five parties represented on the panel have significant levels of elected representation across the country. We do of course also recognise the multi-party nature of our politics and we are committed to ensuring that the range of contributions are brought to our audiences across a wide range of BBC platforms.