Key facts
- Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election.
- Sarah (Brenda) Green won the Ashfield by-election.
- Sarah (Brenda) Green unseated Conservative incumbent Lee Anderson in Ashfield.
- Andy Burnham's victory raises questions about Keir Starmer's leadership of the Labour Party.
- Andy Burnham's victory is expected to lead to a challenge for Keir Starmer.
- Andy Burnham's victory has potential implications for the prime minister's position.
- The Ashfield result challenges the Conservative party ahead of the general election.
- The pound dipped following Andy Burnham's victory.
- UK bonds fell following Andy Burnham's victory.
- The FTSE 100 is expected to open lower due to political uncertainty.
Labour has achieved significant victories in two recent by-elections, with Andy Burnham winning the Makerfield seat and Sarah (Brenda) Green securing the Ashfield constituency. Burnham's decisive win in Makerfield has amplified speculation regarding Keir Starmer's leadership of the Labour Party, with expectations that Burnham may mount a challenge. This development also carries potential implications for the prime minister's position.