Wigan sends 2 Members of Parliament to Westminster, with parts of the borough also represented by two additional MPs. Major areas that MPs have a degree of influence over include taxation (income tax, national insurance, VAT et al), the NHS, welfare, immigration, defence, criminal law, energy policy, employment law and transport.
MPs usually serve four-year terms, but given the power to call a general election rests with the prime minister, they occasionally serve 5 years, or less if there is a snap election (e.g., 2019) or by-election (e.g., Makerfield, 2026).
Current composition
The Labour Party currently holds both seats that are mainly based in Wigan.
The Wigan seat encompasses Wigan town centre and areas immediately surrounding the town centre such as Swinley and Poolstock. It also takes in
Aspull, Standish, Shevington (with Lower Ground), Pemberton, New Springs, Whelley and Beech Hill.
The Makerfield seat is made up of Ashton-in-Makerfield, Bryn, Orrell, Winstanley, Hindley, Hindley Green, Worsley Mesnes, parts of Ince, Platt Bridge and even a small part of Leigh.
