Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield byelection with a commanding majority, securing 55% of the vote and a majority of 9,231 over Reform UK's Robert Kenyon. The result has intensified speculation that the Greater Manchester mayor could mount a leadership challenge against Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
In his victory speech, Burnham described the result as a 'turning point' and Labour's 'final chance to change'. He said voters had backed 'more power for the north and everywhere forgotten by Westminster'. The win saw Labour take 55% of the vote, with Reform UK on 35% and Restore Britain on 7%. Turnout was 59%, up six points from the general election.
Senior Labour figures have called for a leadership process. Harriet Harman, the former deputy leader, suggested a meeting between Starmer, Burnham and Wes Streeting to agree a process for MPs to choose a leader. Patrick Hurley, a Labour MP, urged Starmer to set out a transition process. However, Steve Reed, a close Starmer ally, said the party should focus on replacing Burnham as mayor rather than a leadership contest.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage expressed disappointment at the 'dramatic, emphatic' result, while deputy leader Richard Tice claimed some Reform-minded voters backed Burnham to oust Starmer. Starmer congratulated Burnham, saying voters chose 'hope and optimism over division and hate'. Streeting said the result showed Labour 'needs to change'.
