Trending 
Veteran UK Labour politician Andy Burnham has secured a decisive win in a high-stakes by-election in Makerfield, northwest England, strengthening his position to mount an expected leadership challenge against Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Burnham, a former government minister and long-serving Greater Manchester mayor, won comfortably against the hard-right Reform UK candidate, taking nearly 55 per cent of the vote and defeating Robert Kenyon by more than 9,000 ballots. Turnout reached a notably high 59 per cent, underscoring strong local engagement in what has become a nationally significant contest.
In his victory speech, Burnham framed the result as a turning point.
“I do say to my own party, this is a final chance to change,” he said, signalling urgency for Labour to recalibrate its direction. He added that the outcome could represent a “turning point” for the country.
His win effectively clears the procedural barrier for a leadership bid, as Labour rules require candidates to be sitting MPs. Burnham, who previously served as an MP from 2001 to 2017, is expected to be sworn in on Monday, after which he can formally position himself as a contender.
The result intensifies pressure on Starmer, whose leadership has faced mounting internal dissent following poor polling performance and policy reversals.
Starmer congratulated Burnham on X, saying voters “chose Labour’s campaign of hope and optimism over division and hate.”
The Prime Minister, in office since July 2024, has resisted calls to resign despite increasing unrest within the party. Dozens of Labour MPs have reportedly questioned his leadership, while ministers have stepped down amid widening discontent.
Ex-minister Louise Haigh has called for “an orderly and managed transition,” reflecting growing unease in Labour ranks. Meanwhile, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has suggested Starmer be given time over the weekend to consider his position, while also indicating he may enter any leadership contest.
Burnham’s return also sets up a potential ideological battle within Labour, with the “King of the North” widely viewed as the party’s most popular figure and a strong contender against Starmer’s centrist leadership. His victory is expected to embolden internal calls for change as the party braces for an intensified leadership struggle.
