There are only 10 days to go until the polls open for the critical Makerfield by-election on Thursday, June 18. Voters in the Makerfield constituency will decide who will become the town's new MP, a result that could shape the UK political scene for years to come. Labour's Andy Burnham, if elected, is expected to launch a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer. He faces stiff competition from Reform UK, with the two parties neck-and-neck in a tightly-fought campaign.
Campaign Controversies
In a hotly-contested campaign, Reform UK was forced to remove attack ads featuring a portrait of Andy Burnham after the artist, Stanley Chow, threatened legal action over what he described as unauthorised use of the image to push an 'anti-immigration' message. The images were reportedly AI-generated and appeared to show a group of people in a small boat holding 'Vote Andy' placards emblazoned with Mr Chow's portrait of Burnham. Mr Chow said he was furious that his artwork was used without permission and demanded an apology and damages.
Deputy PM's Stance
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has said he would back Sir Keir Starmer in a leadership election, but he continues to campaign for Andy Burnham in the Makerfield by-election, highlighting the complex dynamics within the Labour Party.
Candidates and Polling
The candidates running in the Makerfield by-election on June 18 are:
- Andy Burnham for Labour
- Robert Kenyon for Reform UK
- Count Binface for the Count Binface Party
- Dan Clarke for the Libertarian Party
- Ed Gemmell for the Climate Party
- Robert Pownall, independent
- Rebecca Shepherd for Restore Britain
The latest betting odds from Oddschecker make Andy Burnham the red-hot favourite to win, with best price at 2/11. Reform candidate Rob Kenyon is best-priced at 11/2, while Restore Britain are at 38/1 with Betfair.
Key Campaign Moments
Andy Burnham has been actively campaigning, including a visit to The Hawk pub in Hawkley Hall, where he gave an update on the campaign while standing in the rain. He also hit out after CCTV appeared to show a man pulling down campaign signs in the constituency over the weekend, sharing the video on social media with the caption: 'Someone's up to no good in Makerfield.'
Reform UK's Rob Kenyon has been campaigning alongside deputy leader Richard Tice, who made a dig at Burnham's potential Downing Street ambitions, saying: 'So many people are saying they want Rob to represent them in Makerfield and not disappear to Westminster and never be seen again.'
Endorsements and Reactions
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has said he wants to see Andy Burnham in Parliament. Meanwhile, Elon Musk endorsed Restore Britain, adding an international dimension to the race. The Green Party's Hannah Spencer, who recently won a Greater Manchester by-election, criticised Reform UK's candidate, saying: 'Reform need to go back to the drawing board.'
Wider Implications
The by-election is seen as a potential springboard for Burnham's leadership ambitions. If he wins, he will have to stand down as Greater Manchester Mayor, triggering a mayoral election. The outcome could also influence national policy, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reportedly set to announce a ban on social media for under-16s within the next 10 days, a move linked to the by-election campaign.
As the campaign enters its final stretch, both Labour and Reform are intensifying their efforts, with high-profile figures like Angela Rayner and David Lammy making appearances in the constituency. The turnout is expected to be high, given the national significance of the vote.
