Polls have officially closed in the Makerfield by-election, with the vote count now underway in Wigan. Results are not expected until early Friday morning, between 4am and 5am. Fourteen candidates are vying to become the new Member of Parliament for the Wigan constituency.
Background and Significance
The election was triggered last month when sitting Labour MP Josh Simons announced he would step down. This paved the way for Merseyside-born Andy Burnham, the current Mayor of Greater Manchester, to stand as Labour's candidate. If Burnham wins, he has stated he will enter the race to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer, making this by-election a potential first step toward becoming Prime Minister.
However, winning Makerfield is a major challenge for Labour. The party suffered a heavy defeat to Nigel Farage's Reform UK in the Wigan Council elections last month, which covers much of this parliamentary constituency. Reform UK has put forward local plumber Robert Kenyon as its candidate. Despite the emergence of offensive social media comments from Kenyon's past, the race remains extremely tight.
Live Updates from the Count
Quiet Confidence in Labour Camp
Liam Thorp, reporting from The Edge in Wigan, notes that tension is mounting. Labour figures express cautious optimism, believing Andy Burnham can secure victory. The Burnham factor is seen as crucial, given Reform's dominance in recent local elections.
First Ballot Boxes Arrive
The first ballot boxes have arrived at the count. Around 70,000 people in Greater Manchester had the opportunity to vote. Reform MP Sarah Pochin has also arrived, as the count becomes busier.
Polling Stations Closed
Polling stations closed at 10pm. The Liverpool ECHO has a reporter at the count, with results expected from 4am on Friday, June 19.
Key Events and Statements
Initial Polling Indicates Close Contest
Initial polling suggests a tight race, with Burnham narrowly ahead at 43% to Kenyon's 40%. The constituency has been a Labour stronghold since 1983, but recent local elections saw Reform UK win every council ward in the area.
Sir Keir Starmer Warns Burnham
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned Andy Burnham against launching an immediate leadership challenge if he wins the by-election. Speaking from the G7 summit, Starmer said a leadership contest would be 'a bad thing' for the country and indicated he would offer Burnham a cabinet role instead.
Candidates in the By-Election
- Jake Austin, Liberal Democrats
- Count Binface, Count Binface Party
- Andy Burnham, Labour and Co-operative Party
- Dan Clarke, Libertarian Party
- John Dyer, Independent
- Ed Gemmell, Climate Party
- Paul Gould, Independent
- Alan 'Howlin' Laud Hope, The Official Monster Raving Loony Party
- Robert Kenyon, Reform UK
- Robert Pownall, Independent
- Rebecca Shepherd, Restore Britain
- Sarah Wakefield, Green Party
- Peter Ward, Rejoin EU
- Michael Winstanley, Conservative Party
The result of this by-election could have profound implications for the national political landscape, potentially determining the future of the Labour Party leadership and the direction of the country.
