Andy Burnham has returned to Parliament as the MP for Makerfield, winning the by-election with a majority of nearly 10,000 votes over Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon. The result doubled the majority won by former MP Josh Simons in 2024, defying expectations in a constituency where Reform UK swept local elections in May, winning 24 out of 25 seats.
Mixed Reactions on the Streets of Manchester
On the streets of Manchester, residents expressed a range of opinions about Burnham's return to Westminster and his likely bid for the Labour leadership. William Hanna, a 62-year-old teacher, criticised Burnham for leaving the mayoral role unfinished. "I think he's just looking out for himself," Hanna said. "Why give someone a job if he's just going to leave?" He pointed to ongoing housing issues in Manchester, noting that people aged 30 cannot get council houses and his niece works three jobs to pay rent.
Gavin Jupp, a 52-year-old librarian, echoed the sentiment. "He was the last person I thought would abandon us, it's shocking," Jupp said. "The whole thing is a circus. I used to be a Labour voter but I'm Reform now."
Support for Burnham's National Ambitions
However, others backed Burnham's move. Oliver Green, 56, said, "I think Andy Burnham will do a better job than Keir Starmer did. I think he will get more people voting for Labour again." Green cited policies like renationalising water and utilities as changes he wants to see. He added that he stopped voting Labour under Tony Blair but would return if Burnham becomes leader with a massive cabinet change, saying, "I just don't want red Tories in charge of the party."
Sarah Bleasdale, a 58-year-old self-employed childminder, said, "We gave Keir Starmer a chance, so we need to give Andy Burnham a chance too." She expressed concern about whether Burnham understands small business struggles, particularly red tape and paperwork. Her daughter Molly Brierley, 26, added, "We need to give Andy Burnham a chance, he could be going down there to help us. We need to see practical changes that will make people's lives better."
Challenges Ahead for Greater Manchester
Burnham's departure leaves the Greater Manchester mayoralty vacant, with an election set for July 30 to find his replacement. Residents highlighted ongoing challenges, including housing and homelessness. Sarah Bleasdale noted, "There needs to be more support for the homeless, like accommodation and services, because it's not just down and out people who are struggling."
Burnham's return to Parliament came after an emotional farewell speech at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority offices. He then travelled from Piccadilly station to Westminster, a journey he will make regularly as he seeks to become the next Labour leader and potentially prime minister.
