Andy Burnham has officially launched his campaign for the Makerfield byelection, vowing to bring change to British politics. Speaking at Stubshaw Cross Community and Sports Club in Ashton-in-Makerfield, the Labour candidate said: 'This is not business as usual, this is not more of the same … British politics is tired. It needs a new script.'
Burnham emphasised his local roots, noting that his home is just two miles from the campaign centre and that he has lived in the area for 25 years. He criticised decades of policies that he said had hurt local high streets, left people struggling with everyday costs, and removed good jobs from communities without replacing them.
On transport, Burnham highlighted the high cost of rail travel, citing a £364 anytime return fare from Wigan North Western to London Euston. He argued that rail re-nationalisation could reduce fares and make them affordable again. He also praised the return of buses under public control in Greater Manchester in 2023.
The byelection, Burnham said, is a 'clarion call for change' in the economy, education, housing, transport, and care. He was joined by several Labour MPs, including Jonathan Reynolds and Kim Johnson, as well as Liverpool metro mayor Steve Rotheram and interim Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates.
