Polls due to close in Rochdale by-election

1. How we report polling day

   

   BBCCopyright: BBC

   Online coverage of election night comes from the BBC newsroom in central LondonImage caption: Online coverage of election night comes from the BBC newsroom in central London

   The BBC, like other media outlets, is not allowed to report details of campaigning or election issues while polls are open.

   We are required by electoral law to adopt a code of practice, ensuring fairness between candidates, and that is particularly important on polling day.

   Coverage of what is happening on the day is usually restricted to uncontroversial factual accounts, such as the appearance of politicians - and(crowd favourite) dogs - at polling stations, or the weather.

   It can also give information that will help voters with the process of going to polling stations.

   • We get further into the nitty-gritty of the rules here

2. Remind me, what by-elections are again

   A by-election is the process for electing a new member of Parliament when a seat in the House of Commons becomes vacant outside a general election.

   This can happen, for example, when an MP dies or resigns, or is convicted of a serious criminal offence.

   A by-election does not have to take place if an MP changes political party.

   During the period before the vote while the seat is empty, an MP of the same party in a neighbouring constituency manages constituency matters.

3. Why is there a by-election in Rochdale?

   

   UK ParliamentCopyright: UK Parliament

   Sir Tony Lloyd was Labour MP for Rochdale from 2017-2024Image caption: Sir Tony Lloyd was Labour MP for Rochdale from 2017-2024

   The by-election is being held to replace MP Sir Tony Lloyd, who died in service on 17 January, days after announcing he had an incurable form of leukaemia.

   Lloyd was first elected to represent the Greater Manchester seat of Stretford in 1983 and also served as MP for Manchester Central following boundary changes.

   He served as chair of the parliamentary Labour Party between 2006 and 2012 before standing down from Parliament to successfully contest the election for Greater Manchester police and crime commissioner.

   Lloyd returned for a second stint in the Commons and represented Rochdale from 2017.

4. Welcome

   

   Marita Moloney

   Live reporter

   Good evening, and welcome along to our live coverage of the Rochdale by-election.

   People in the Greater Manchester town have been casting their votes since 07:00. Polls close in less than half an hour, at 22:00, and we'll bring you live updates and analysis right through the night and into Friday morning.

   The by-election was called following the death of Sir Tony Lloyd, who was elected MP for Rochdale in June 2017.

   I'm here at BBC HQ in London, along with my colleague Sean Seddon, and we also have reporters at the count - stay tuned for all the latest.