- Andy Burnham won the Makerfield byelection with a substantial voter majority.
- The result creates a potential leadership challenge against Keir Starmer.
- Labour secured 54% of votes against Reform UK and Restore Britain.
Andy Burnham has returned to Westminster after nine years. He secured the Makerfield seat by 9,231 votes beating Robert Kenyon of Reform UK. Labour won 54% of the vote while Reform UK took 35% and Restore Britain gained 7%. The turnout was 58.75% with 45,510 votes cast.
The victory was made possible after Josh Simons stood down. Burnham now possesses 6,100 more votes than the two trailing parties combined. He won an anti-Reform coalition of voters as Conservatives Lib Dems and Greens collectively managed only 3% of the vote down from 22% in 2024.
Andy Burnham wins Makerfield with a huge majority
Burnham described the win as a «turning point» for the country. He claimed voters wanted «more power for the north and everywhere forgotten by Westminster». The former health secretary believes this is the «final chance to change» to build a politics of unity and hope. He seeks to put the country back on the right path.
The result may trigger a formal bid for No 10. However, some allies suggest Starmer should first set a departure timetable. Ministers were reportedly talked out of resigning this weekend to prevent total chaos. Burnham is expected to mount a bid for the premiership if a leadership contest is formally triggered.
Read also: Football : Hull could face a points deduction while competing in the Premier LeagueKeir Starmer faces pressure over the Peter Mandelson US ambassador appointment. Labour also lost over 1,200 local councillors and the Welsh Senedd in May. Wes Streeting has indicated he might trigger a leadership contest next week. Starmer has stated he will not walk away and intends to fight any challenge.
The party now faces a battle to keep the Greater Manchester mayoralty. This byelection involves 2 million voters and is slated for 30 July. Lisa Nandy called the Makerfield win «history in the making». Burnham aims to make life more affordable and give people more breathing space in their daily lives.
