Votes are being counted in the historic Makerfield by-election, with Labour and Reform UK anxiously awaiting the result. Counting is underway in the south Wigan constituency, where the outcome could determine the future of Labour under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is predicted to launch a leadership bid if he wins the seat.
Andy Burnham arrived at The Edge, the Wigan results centre, with a huge smile on his face, greeted by applause from supporters. His team is 'quietly confident' of victory. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage threw everything at the by-election, with candidate Robert Kenyon hoping to cause an upset. However, their vote could be split by Restore Britain, an ultra-nationalist group with extreme views on immigration that has gained traction recently.
Conservatives and SNP Win Other By-Elections
While all eyes are on Makerfield, two other by-elections took place in Scotland. The Conservative Party won in Aberdeen South, the former seat of SNP big beast Stephen Flynn. Tory candidate Douglas Lumsden received 14,000 votes, 6,000 more than the second-place SNP candidate. Lumsden said the vote was a referendum on oil and gas, adding that the party had 'sent Labour the message that destruction of the North Sea oil and gas industry must stop now.' The SNP held the other by-election in Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, where Lara Bird won by over 5,000 votes over the Conservatives.
Applause as Burnham Arrives
Good morning and welcome to Metro's coverage of the Makerfield by-election results. The result looks moments away as Andy Burnham walked into The Edge, hugging supporters and receiving applause. Labour is quietly confident of victory, and that appeared evident on his face.
