With just 10 days until the Makerfield by-election, Labour's Andy Burnham faces a stiff challenge from Reform UK's candidate Robert Kenyon. The contest, set for June 18, could have national implications as Burnham is expected to launch a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer if elected.
Reform UK was forced to remove attack ads featuring a portrait of Burnham after the artist threatened legal action over unauthorised use of the image. The ads reportedly included AI-generated images of people in a small boat holding 'Vote Andy' placards.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has stated he would back Starmer in a leadership election but continues to campaign for Burnham in Makerfield. The by-election also features candidates from the Count Binface Party, Libertarian Party, Climate Party, and independents.
In a separate incident, Burnham shared CCTV footage appearing to show a man pulling down campaign signs. The video, posted on social media, shows a white van stopping before a man removes a sign and drives away. Viewers condemned the act as 'embarrassing' and 'criminal damage'.
Green Party MP Hannah Spencer, a plumber herself, criticised Reform's candidate, stating: 'I know there are thousands of decent tradespeople... They managed to find one who isn’t that.'
