Wes Streeting has thrown his support behind Andy Burnham for the upcoming Makerfield by-election, describing the former health secretary as Labour's "best chance" of securing victory in what he called a "tough" contest. The endorsement comes as Mr Burnham seeks permission from Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) to stand for the seat, following the announcement by current MP Josh Simons that he will step down to make way for the Greater Manchester mayor.
Leadership ambitions and factional dynamics
Mr Burnham is widely expected to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership if he returns to Parliament. In a tweet on Friday, Mr Streeting backed his potential rival's candidacy, stating that Labour needs "our best players on the pitch." He added: "The Makerfield by-election will be tough. Votes will need to be earned. Andy is the best chance of winning and that should override factional advantage or propping up one person." Despite this endorsement, allies of Mr Streeting confirmed that he would be a candidate in any forthcoming leadership battle, having made clear in his resignation letter that he wanted a contest featuring "the broadest set of candidates possible."
Reform UK threat and local dynamics
Labour faces a stiff challenge from Reform UK in Makerfield, where Mr Simons secured a majority of just 5,399 over Nigel Farage's party at the 2024 general election. Since then, Labour's polling collapse and Reform's surge have reversed their positions. This month's local elections saw Reform win every council ward in the constituency, securing around half the vote, while Labour managed only a little more than a quarter. However, Mr Burnham could benefit from his strong personal following across the North West, where he enjoys a net favourability rating of 24% according to Ipsos, considerably higher than any party leader or the Labour Party itself.
Financial implications and NEC approval
The by-election could be costly, with a standalone contest in Makerfield potentially costing taxpayers up to £226,000. However, a victory for Mr Burnham would trigger another by-election for the Greater Manchester mayoralty, which could run into millions—the 2024 mayoral election cost £4.7 million. The prospect of a costly mayoral by-election means Mr Burnham must secure NEC approval before he can stand. His previous bid to contest the Gorton and Denton by-election was rejected by an NEC officers committee, including Sir Keir. It is understood the Prime Minister does not intend to block him a second time, but a decision is not expected until the NEC meets next week.
Union support and internal opposition
Joanne Thomas, general secretary of Usdaw and chairwoman of the Tulo group of Labour-affiliated trade unions, confirmed that her union's representatives on the NEC would back Mr Burnham's candidacy. Usdaw has two representatives on the NEC, including one who sat on the smaller officers committee that blocked him from contesting Gorton and Denton. Meanwhile, Communities Secretary Steve Reed, a key ally of Sir Keir, warned against a leadership challenge, arguing that the party would suffer further damage at the ballot box if it pursued a contest like the Conservatives did in their final years in office. He told Sky News: "We're in power. We were sent here by the British public to deliver change. Why would we throw that away to engage in the chaos that consumed the Conservatives?"
Other parties and campaign outlook
Candidate selection processes are already under way for Reform UK and the Greens. Last week's local election results suggest the contest could be a two-horse race between Reform and Mr Burnham, though the Greens said they were "looking forward to the campaign." A spokesperson added: "We've learnt from our campaigning and wins in Gorton and Denton and the recent local elections, and we've shown we can beat Reform."
