<sod >A strong challenge from Ukip candidate is expected in the Heywood and Middleton by-election, although opinion polls put Labour candidate Liz McInnes comfortably in the lead.< eod>< sod > A strong challenge from Ukip candidate John Bickley is expected in the Heywood and Middleton by-election, although opinion polls put Labour candidate Liz McInnes comfortably in the lead.< eod>