The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has officially launched his campaign after being selected as the Labour Party candidate for the Makerfield by-election. If he secures the most votes on June 18, he will be seen as the leading contender to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister, should Starmer step down or a leadership contest arise.
New Labour Rising Star
Burnham was first elected as MP for Leigh in 2001 and served under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. He was appointed as a parliamentary aide to then-Home Secretary David Blunkett, a sign of his grooming for higher office. Ministerial roles followed, including junior minister in the Home Office and the Department of Health, before becoming Chief Secretary to the Treasury under Gordon Brown.
Hillsborough Memorial Service
As Culture Secretary, Burnham took on the fight for justice for Hillsborough victims. At a 2009 anniversary event at Anfield, hecklers booed his speech, demanding justice. This prompted him to raise the issue in cabinet, leading to the Hillsborough Independent Panel, whose 2012 report criticised the blame placed on fans and led to Prime Minister David Cameron's apology. Speaking at the 25th anniversary, Burnham said the barracking helped him find the political courage to act. The Hillsborough Law, first introduced in 2017, later saw a version passed in 2025 with a duty of candour.
Failed Labour Leadership Bids
Burnham stood in two Labour leadership contests. In 2010, he finished fourth behind Ed Miliband, David Miliband, and Ed Balls. In 2015, he was considered the frontrunner but was defeated by Jeremy Corbyn.
Leaving Westminster Behind
Believing Westminster was not delivering for the regions, Burnham left Parliament to run for Mayor of Greater Manchester in 2017, winning with over 60% of the vote. This move allowed him to reinvent his political identity away from the Westminster bubble.
King of the North
During the pandemic, Burnham's profile soared when he clashed with Boris Johnson over lockdown restrictions, earning the nickname 'King of the North'. He also earned respect for his handling of two terror attacks during his mayoralty: the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 and the Heaton Park synagogue attack in 2025.
Launching the Bee Network
In 2023, Burnham launched the Bee Network, a publicly run transport system bringing local bus services back under public ownership, with more routes and lower fares.
Makerfield By-Election
Amid deep national instability for Labour under Sir Keir Starmer, Burnham seeks a return to Parliament by contesting the Makerfield by-election after Josh Simons stepped down. The seat has a slim Labour majority and is fiercely contested by Reform UK, so Burnham's path back to Westminster is uncertain. The coming weeks will decide the next chapter in his political career.
