[1] It followed the resignation of incumbent member of Parliament Chris Matheson as on 21 October 2022 after accusations of sexual misconduct[2] and a recommendation from the Independent Expert Panel that he be suspended from the House of Commons for four weeks.

[3] The constituency varies by social class, including middle-class areas such as Upton-by-Chester and the large rural former council estate of Blacon.

[6] Matheson resigned on 21 October 2022, in response to the Independent Expert Panel's recommendation that he be suspended from the House of Commons for four weeks over allegations of "serious sexual misconduct" towards a junior member of staff.

[8][9] Matheson continued to deny any sexual misconduct, but said he felt obliged to resign for health and family reasons.

[11] On 29 October, the Conservatives confirmed that Liz Wardlaw, a councillor for Cheshire East Council's Odd Rode ward, would stand as their candidate in the by-election.

[13] On 31 October, the Liberal Democrats announced Rob Herd, a Chester school teacher and parish councillor, as their candidate in the by-election.

[21] Leader of the Labour Party Keir Starmer called the result "a clear message to Rishi Sunak".