Key facts
- Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election with a majority of 9,231 votes.
- Burnham's victory is interpreted as a potential leadership challenge to current Labour leader Keir Starmer.
- Allies of Burnham are reportedly pushing for an 'orderly and managed transition' of leadership.
- Labour secured 55% of the vote, while Reform UK received 35%.
- The turnout in Makerfield was 59%.
Andy Burnham has secured a decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election, returning him to Westminster after serving as Manchester mayor. His win, described as 'astonishing' and 'emphatic,' is widely interpreted as a significant move that could lead to a leadership challenge against the current Labour leader, Keir Starmer. Allies of Burnham are reportedly pushing for an 'orderly and managed transition' of leadership, with Burnham himself suggesting the party has a "final chance to change."
The victory appears to have been built on a broad coalition of voters, including traditional Green Party supporters and even some who have previously backed Reform UK. Many voters expressed a desire to defeat what they perceived as "divisive" right-wing politics, with some stating they voted for Burnham despite not being Labour supporters.
The Reform UK candidate, Robert Kenyon, underperformed, with leader Nigel Farage attributing the result partly to tactical voting. The Liberal Democrats and Green Party saw significantly reduced vote shares compared to previous elections, allowing Burnham to absorb a wider range of support.