Key facts
- Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election with 55% of the vote.
- Burnham's victory is seen as a potential challenge to Keir Starmer's leadership of the Labour Party.
- Burnham has outlined plans for public ownership of utilities and cost of living support.
- Burnham's 'Manchesterism' agenda aims to address deindustrialization, privatization, austerity, and Brexit.
- Polling suggests Burnham could help Labour avoid a significant electoral defeat.
Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election with a decisive 55% of the vote, a victory that positions him as a significant contender for the leadership of the Labour Party and potentially the role of UK Prime Minister. His win, achieved in a post-industrial region of northwest England, signals a potential challenge to the current Labour leader, Keir Starmer.
Burnham, 56, has reinvented himself during his nine years as Mayor of Greater Manchester, earning the moniker 'king of the north' for his advocacy for the region. His campaign, which focused on addressing deindustrialization, privatization, austerity, and the impacts of Brexit, resonated with voters who felt neglected by Westminster. He has described his economic approach as 'business-friendly socialism' or 'Manchesterism,' advocating for greater public control over essential services and increased devolution.
Throughout his career, Burnham has held prominent positions in the Labour Party, serving as a junior minister under Tony Blair and later as a cabinet member under Gordon Brown. He made previous bids for the Labour leadership in 2010 and 2015. After leaving Westminster in 2016, his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester has been marked by a transformation in his political style, adopting a more direct and accessible approach, often communicated through social media.
His victory in Makerfield was substantial, nearly doubling the majority of his predecessor and significantly outperforming the rightwing Reform UK party. In his victory speech, Burnham emphasized the need for change and a country that works for everyone, suggesting this is a final opportunity to address public dissatisfaction. Polling from Public First suggests he could help his party avoid a catastrophic rout at the next election.