Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has announced his intention to stand as the Labour candidate in the upcoming Makerfield by-election, aiming to return to Westminster and challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's leadership. The move comes after Labour MP Josh Simons resigned his seat to pave the way for Burnham.
Burnham's Ambition for National Change
In a statement, Burnham expressed his desire to "bring the change we have brought to Greater Manchester to the whole of the UK and make politics work properly for people." He emphasized the need for "much bigger change at a national level" to improve affordability for everyday life.
Sir Keir Starmer is not expected to block Burnham's candidacy, according to sources close to the Prime Minister. An ally stated, "Keir is focused on bringing the party together so it can tackle the issues facing working families."
Resignations and Turmoil
The by-election follows days of political upheaval after Labour's poor performance in recent local elections. Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned from the Cabinet, citing "dishonourable and unprincipled" reasons to continue under Starmer. Streeting urged the Prime Minister to allow a "best possible field of candidates" to replace him, hinting at support for Burnham.
Josh Simons, a former Starmer loyalist who quit as a minister in March, announced his resignation as MP, stating, "Nothing short of urgent, radical, courageous reform will make a difference. That must start with a change in leadership." He added that Labour has "one last chance" to deliver change and that Burnham is "the one to lead it."
Path to Leadership
To challenge Starmer for the Labour leadership, Burnham must first win the by-election and become an MP. The National Executive Committee (NEC) will decide whether to approve his candidacy. An NEC source indicated it is "not clear yet" if Burnham will be allowed to stand, as he was previously blocked from a by-election in Gorton and Denton, which the Green Party won.
Burnham stated, "We owe it to people to come back together as a Labour movement, giving the Prime Minister and the Government the space and stability they need as the by-election takes place."
Electoral Challenges
Makerfield has been a Labour stronghold since its creation in 1983, with Simons winning a majority of around 5,000 in 2024. However, Reform UK poses a significant threat. Analysis of local election results from May 7, 2026, shows Reform candidates won every ward within the constituency in Wigan Council elections. Reform leader Nigel Farage declared, "We look forward to the contest and we will throw absolutely everything at it."
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden warned of the "political risk" of an unnecessary by-election, noting that the NEC would decide the candidate shortlist.
Other Leadership Contenders
Streeting's resignation letter criticized the "drift" at the top of government and stated it was "clear" Starmer would not lead Labour into the next election. It remains uncertain whether Streeting has the 81 MPs needed to trigger a formal leadership challenge. Other potential contenders include former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, and armed forces minister Al Carns.
Several Labour MPs welcomed Burnham's announcement. Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Bromborough, called Burnham "the most popular Labour politician in the country" and expressed hope that the NEC would endorse him. He told LBC, "We've absolutely got to show the people of Makerfield that not only will Andy be a great MP for them, he would be a great prime minister."
