Key facts
- Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election on June 18, 2026.
- Burnham secured 54.8% of the vote with a majority of 9,231.
- The by-election was triggered by the resignation of MP Josh Simons.
- Burnham's victory allows him to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership.
- The US has ended its naval blockade.
- Scotland is scheduled to face Morocco.
Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election, a result that could influence the leadership of the Labour Party and potentially the next UK Prime Minister. The by-election, held on June 18, 2026, saw Burnham secure 54.8% of the vote with a majority of 9,231. This victory allows Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, to stand for a seat in Parliament, a prerequisite for challenging Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership according to party rules.
The seat became vacant following the resignation of Josh Simons, who stepped down amid an ongoing Labour leadership crisis. Simons' resignation was reportedly to allow Burnham to contest the seat. This by-election is noted as the first since the 1965 Leyton by-election triggered specifically to provide a parliamentary vacancy for a prominent figure not currently in the House of Commons.
In separate developments, the United States has ended its naval blockade, and Scotland is scheduled to face Morocco in a sporting event.