Key facts
- Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election on June 19, 2026.
- Burnham defeated Reform UK's Robert Kenyon by more than 9,000 votes.
- The win positions Burnham to potentially challenge Keir Starmer for Labour leadership.
- Burnham previously served as a government minister before becoming Manchester mayor.
- Turnout in the Makerfield by-election was 58.75%, higher than the 2024 general election.
Andy Burnham has decisively won the Makerfield by-election, a victory that significantly boosts his standing within the Labour Party and provides a platform from which to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for leadership. Burnham, who quit Westminster nine years ago to become the mayor of Greater Manchester, defeated Reform UK's Robert Kenyon by over 9,000 votes in the special contest.
In his victory speech, Burnham declared the win could be a "turning point" for the country, emphasizing the need for change. Prime Minister Starmer congratulated Burnham on his win, noting his new status as a backbench MP. The result is seen as a setback for Nigel Farage and Reform UK, who had targeted the constituency. Burnham's policy platform is described as vague but further to the left than Starmer's.
Burnham's allies, such as Louise Haigh, have indicated that while a leadership challenge is not imminent, a prolonged period of uncertainty would be difficult for the Labour Party and the government. The by-election saw a higher turnout than the 2024 general election, bucking the trend for such contests. A new by-election will be triggered in Greater Manchester to replace Burnham as mayor.