Andy Burnham triumphed in the Makerfield byelection with a majority of 9,231 votes, beating Reform UK's Robert Kenyon by 55% to 35%. Turnout rose to 59%, with 45,510 votes cast, as a coalition of voters from left, centre and right united behind the Greater Manchester mayor.
The Liberal Democrats and Green party saw their combined vote share collapse to just 1%, down from 11% in 2024. Pollster Peter Kellner noted this 'vote-shedding' helped ensure Burnham's victory, as right-wing votes were split between Reform UK and Restore Britain, which won 7%.
Green supporters Mal, 64, Peta, 48, and Barb, 64, said they backed Burnham to defeat 'divisive' right-wing politics. Mal said Reform's immigration focus angered him: 'It's nothing to do with migrants – they're the people treating us in hospital.' Peta called the campaign 'hugely divisive', while Barb hoped the area could 'come back together'.
Former Reform voters also switched. Joseph, 50, a heavy goods driver who voted for Kenyon in 2024, said: 'I'm not a Labour fan but I like Burnham... I think he's the best chance we have.' Ellen, 63, said fondness for Nigel Farage had waned, adding she was 'happy' to vote for Burnham to stop Reform.
Amber, 37, one of only 308 Green voters, admitted she was tempted by Burnham. 'I know other people who usually vote Green who backed him,' she said. 'I think it was something a lot of people who don't like Labour did.'
