Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election in a landslide, dealing a blow to Reform UK and sparking speculation over a Labour leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer.
Ballots were tallied through the night, with Burnham claiming victory following weeks of electioneering from all the main parties, bolstering his position as one of Labour's most prominent figures.
Focus will now shift not only to the response from Reform leader Nigel Farage and candidate Robert Kenyon, but also to what the outcome might signify for Burnham's own political aspirations.
Burnham secured nearly 25,000 votes to claim the crushing win.
Makerfield by-election result in full
- Andy Burnham (Labour): 24,927 votes
- Robert Kenyon (Reform UK): 15,696
- Rebecca Shepherd (Restore Britain): 3,111
- Michael Winstanley (Conservative): 997
- Sarah Wakefiend (Green): 308
- Jake Austin (Lib Dem): 163
- Count Binface (Binface): 95
- Howling Laud Hope (Loony): 45
- John Dyer (Independent): 37
- Peter Ward (Rejoin): 35
- Dan Clarke (Libertarian): 18
- Ed Gemmell (Climate): 18
- Robert Pownall (Independent): 18
- Paul Gould (Independent): 8
Turnout: 45,486 or 59%.
Burnham's triumph spells trouble for Sir Keir Starmer, with a fresh Labour leadership contest expected to commence within days. Burnham and his supporters are reportedly hoping for a coronation, whereby Sir Keir steps down, rather than a fight, as this is believed could prove harmful to the party. Nevertheless, the Prime Minister has consistently maintained he has no plans to abandon Number 10.
