Andy Burnham, the outgoing mayor of Greater Manchester, has won the Makerfield by-election with a decisive majority, returning him to Parliament after nine years. Burnham secured 55% of the vote, defeating Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon by 9,231 votes, while the Restore Britain party finished in a distant third. This landslide victory, supported by a coalition of voters from across the political spectrum, paves the way for Burnham to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the leadership of the Labour Party.
The size of the victory has fueled speculation that Burnham could be installed as prime minister within days. Allies of the new MP are calling for an orderly and managed transition, while some ministers have warned that Starmer faces being forced out by his own party if he does not act. Cabinet loyalists have reportedly told the prime minister he has the weekend to set out a timetable for his exit.
In his victory speech, Burnham described the result as a turning point, stating that voters have demanded change and more power for the north and areas forgotten by Westminster. He warned that this represents the party's final chance to change. The challenge comes as Starmer's popularity has cratered, with Labour losing liberal voters to the Green Party and facing a rising Reform UK in nationwide polls.
Despite the seismic result, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has congratulated Burnham but insists he will not walk away. Starmer pledged that he will fight any leadership contest that may be triggered. While Burnham emerges as the top contender, other variables remain, including whether he would face rivals such as Wes Streeting in a formal contest for the premiership.