Andy Burnham has set up a showdown with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer after his decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election, which he described as a 'turning point' for Labour. Burnham urged the party to act now, warning there would be no second chance.
Victory Speech
In his victory speech, Burnham said: 'Everyone knows that politics isn't working. Everyone can feel that the country isn't where it should be. Tonight could, just could, be the turning point.' He added: 'I do say to my own party: this is a final chance to change. This is what people said directly to me on the hundreds of doorsteps that I stood on. We must hear it, we must act upon it and we must get it right. There will be no second chance.'
By-Election Results
Burnham defeated Reform UK's Robert Kenyon by 9,231 votes, up from 5,399 in 2024, and Labour's vote share increased by 9.61 per cent. The victory defied national trends, as Nigel Farage's Reform UK made large gains in last month's local elections.
Leadership Challenge
Burnham's allies called on Starmer to hand over power, but the Prime Minister has insisted he will not quit and will fight any leadership challenge. Starmer congratulated Burnham on social media, saying: 'Congratulations, @AndyBurnhamGM, Labour's new MP for Makerfield. Voters chose Labour's campaign of hope and optimism over division and hate.'
Burnham gave up the Greater Manchester mayoralty to become Makerfield MP, winning the seat vacated by Josh Simons. He said: 'It will never be a stepping stone to me, but instead will be my touchstone.' Cabinet minister Lisa Nandy said she wanted Burnham 'back at the top table', but Burnham has indicated he will not accept a job in Starmer's government.
Pressure on Starmer
Former cabinet minister Louise Haigh urged the Prime Minister to set out an 'orderly and managed transition' of power. She told the BBC she hoped Starmer will 'do what's best for both the country and the Labour Party.' However, Starmer has amassed a war chest to fund his campaign to fight any leadership challenge, with total pledges running into six figures, sources said.
Burnham has indicated he would join a leadership contest if one was triggered, requiring 81 MPs to line up behind a candidate. Former health secretary Wes Streeting has suggested he would be willing to fire the starting gun for a contest if Starmer does not stand down.
Other By-Election Results
In the other Westminster by-elections, the Tories secured victory in Aberdeen South, with Douglas Lumsden taking the seat vacated by the SNP's former Westminster leader Stephen Flynn. In Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, the SNP's Lara Bird held the seat vacated when Stephen Gethins became an MSP.
