Voters are set to head to the polls on Thursday for the Makerfield by-election, triggered by former Labour MP Josh Simons' resignation last month. The contest is seen as a critical moment in UK politics, with Andy Burnham expected to challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer if elected.
Historical Context
Makerfield has been a strong Labour seat since its creation in 1983. However, the by-election is described as a two-horse race between Burnham and Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon.
2024 General Election Results
In the 2024 general election, Josh Simons won with a majority of 5,399 and 45% of the vote. Reform UK gained 32%, the Conservatives 11%, Liberal Democrats 7%, and Greens 4%. Turnout was 52%.
Reform's vote share increased by 19% compared to 2019, while Labour's remained consistent.
Recent Local Elections
Simons' resignation followed a landslide victory for Reform in the May local elections, winning 24 of 25 seats in Wigan. The only seat Reform did not win was Atherton North, where independent Jamie Hodgkinson prevailed.
Resignation Statement
Simons said he stepped aside because Westminster had 'overseen the managed decline of towns like mine'. He endorsed Andy Burnham, stating: 'I believe that Andy Burnham can provide it.'
He added: 'This has been the hardest decision of my life. I have made it because without a shock to the Westminster system, I cannot deliver the change that I promised to you.'
