Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election, clearing a major obstacle on his path to becoming Labour leader and potentially Prime Minister. The 'King of the North' defeated controversial Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon, securing a return to Westminster after nearly a decade away. He is widely tipped to challenge Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership in the coming days or weeks, with Starmer's position now looking increasingly precarious.
Historic By-Election Victory
In the most consequential by-election in modern history, Burnham stormed home in a constituency widely expected to fall to Nigel Farage's party. Just last month, Reform won more than 50% of the vote in Makerfield at the local elections. The extraordinary turnaround came a fortnight after Burnham finally confirmed he would join a leadership race if one is triggered. He said throughout the campaign that Labour has failed to improve the lives of people in areas like Makerfield since returning to power in 2024.
Campaign Promises
Signalling his hopes of securing the top job, Burnham vowed to end 40 years of trickle-down economics. In his final campaign speech before polls opened, he said: "For too long Westminster has looked past places like this. Right now, the power is where it should be, in the hands of the people of this area, in the hands of you. It's right that this place decides what happens next. We have the chance to write a new script for Britain, one based on unity and hope."
He added: "A vote for me is a vote to end 40 years of trickle-down economics. It is a vote to bring down water bills, energy bills, to make life more affordable again. It's a vote to power up the North of England. We are the only party with the offer of a plan for the future that works for places like this. This is the politics of problem solving, not point scoring."
Controversial Opponent
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Labour MP Josh Simons, a former Cabinet Office minister who has been critical of Starmer in recent weeks. Farage pinned his hopes on local plumber Rob Kenyon, but the campaign quickly became mired in controversy when troubling social media posts—including misogynistic and seemingly homophobic comments—came to light. These included an endorsement of a vile sexual remark about Carol Vorderman, which he steadfastly refused to apologise for. The former Countdown host branded Kenyon a disgusting online abuser in an interview with The Mirror last month.
Leadership Challenge
In order to mount a leadership challenge, a Labour MP would need to secure the support of 81 colleagues. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said he plans to stand, while former armed forces minister Al Carns—who quit the government in protest over defence spending last week—is also expected to enter the race. Burnham told BBC Question Time on June 5: "I'm not somebody who gets ahead of myself. I can't do anything unless I'm lucky enough to get the support of people here. But if I get your support, I would seek to represent you at the highest possible level and give this constituency maximum power and influence."
He continued: "I think Wes Streeting seems to have launched a leadership contest, so if that is running, I would seek to join it. But I'd have to persuade members of the Parliamentary Labour Party to do the same. So that's the only question... I've said to my team, let's have a proper look at this and let's develop a policy."
Burnham's Political Career
Burnham was MP for Leigh in Greater Manchester between 2001 and 2017. He quit to become Mayor of Greater Manchester, a post he has held for nearly a decade. His victory means Labour faces another big battle to keep hold of the crucial mayoral post, with Reform, the Greens, and potentially Restore set to mount significant challenges. During his 16 years in Parliament, Burnham served as Health Secretary, Culture Secretary, and Chief Secretary to the Treasury under Gordon Brown. He was also a junior Home Office minister and health minister under Tony Blair. After Labour lost power, he served as Shadow Education Secretary and Shadow Health Secretary under Ed Miliband, as well as Shadow Home Secretary under Jeremy Corbyn. Many within the Labour fold view Burnham as a potential saviour figure, unsullied by the difficult last two years but with a record of holding top jobs.
