Polling stations in Makerfield have closed after residents voted on Thursday in the highly anticipated by-election. Approximately 70,000 people were eligible to cast their ballots, with polls open from 7am.
Background of the By-Election
The by-election was triggered by the sudden resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons on May 14. Simons confirmed he stepped down to pave the way for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to stand for election.
This is one of the most awaited by-elections in recent British history, as Burnham, the Labour candidate, seeks to win the parliamentary seat. However, Reform UK's candidate Rob Kenyon aims to secure a victory and become his party's ninth MP.
Campaign Trail
Burnham has been actively campaigning after announcing his intention to stand for the Makerfield seat, which covers an area near where he grew up. Kenyon and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage have also campaigned heavily, spending time outside polling stations on election day.
Reform UK won the majority of Makerfield's seats in the May local elections. However, Farage is reportedly concerned about losing voters to Restore Britain, a party led by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe.
Results Timeline
The final results declaration is expected in the early hours of Friday morning, between 4am and 5am. It is possible that an indication of the result may emerge sooner.
Potential Leadership Challenge
Andy Burnham is expected to launch a leadership challenge if elected as MP. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commented at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France: "What I will say about Andy is he is a huge asset to our party and our movement. I hope he wins the by-election and he plays a big part in the Labour government. He's been a very successful mayor. When I came into politics, his was the team that I joined, and we work very closely together."
Sources close to Burnham have indicated he will not accept a job from the prime minister.
We are reporting live from the counting room of what is considered the most significant by-election for a generation, with the result potentially altering the political landscape.
