Key facts
- Andy Burnham's team is urging ministers not to resign immediately after the Makerfield byelection to prevent government chaos.
- A special election in Makerfield could lead to Andy Burnham challenging Keir Starmer for Labour leadership.
- Burnham has hinted at how he might govern Britain, framing the byelection as a fight against trickle-down economics.
- Polls suggest Burnham has a lead over Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon, with results expected early Friday.
- If Burnham wins, he would run for Labour leadership, potentially preventing a lengthy contest that could alienate voters.
Voters in Makerfield are casting ballots in a crucial byelection that could pave the way for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to challenge Keir Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party. Burnham's team is reportedly urging ministers not to resign immediately after the election to prevent government chaos, while uncertainty exists among Labour MPs about whether a Burnham premiership could navigate the challenges Starmer has faced.
Up to 3,000 Labour campaigners, including MPs and ministers like David Lammy, Bridget Phillipson, and Jonathan Reynolds, have been active in Makerfield. Organizers fear the large number of activists may overwhelm voters, with estimates suggesting each door has been knocked six or seven times. While polls generally show Burnham with a clear lead over Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon, some visiting MPs describe the race as tight. The performance of Rupert Lowe's Restore party, a rival to Reform UK, could also impact the interpretation of Burnham's victory.
Burnham, who has made two unsuccessful bids for the Labour leadership in the past, has framed the byelection as a fight to improve the lives of people in the area, while also hinting at his governing philosophy and criticizing "trickle-down economics." If Burnham wins, he has indicated he would run in any leadership race against Starmer. Another potential rival, Wes Streeting, has stated he is prepared to challenge Starmer if the current leader does not step down. Starmer, however, has pledged to contest any leadership bid, citing his success in leading Labour to a landslide victory in 2024 after the party's worst defeat in 2019. Senior Labour lawmakers suggest Starmer might be persuaded to cede leadership to Burnham to avoid a prolonged summer contest that could further alienate voters before the next general election.