Andy Burnham has called for a 'new path for Britain' following his victory in the Makerfield byelection, declaring it the 'last chance' to change the country. The newly elected MP urged the nation to seize the opportunity to turn the tide and restore hope in politics, saying the result should make Makerfield a byword for change.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, however, has insisted he will stand in any Labour leadership contest, despite mounting pressure from allies of Burnham and Wes Streeting to persuade him to step aside. Downing Street stated there is 'no vacancy' for the prime minister's job, and Starmer claimed the byelection result shows the tide is turning against Reform UK.
Allies of Burnham plan to lobby cabinet ministers and Labour grandees over the weekend to convince Starmer not to fight a challenge. Burnham is expected in London on Monday to meet MPs, with some anticipating he could become prime minister within weeks. His victory, which increased Labour's vote share despite Reform UK gains in recent local elections, has been hailed by the Fire Brigades Union as a mandate to take on Nigel Farage.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Labour for being 'obsessed' with internal drama, urging focus on energy and national security. She also cited her party's byelection win in Aberdeen South as a message supporting North Sea drilling. Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin congratulated Burnham, noting his interest in Ireland, while Nigel Farage expressed disappointment and urged Reform UK supporters who defected to 'think again'.
