Andy Burnham wins key UK by-election, paving way to challenge Keir Starmer | Politics News
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham Wins By-Election, Sets Sights on Labour Leadership
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham secured a decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election held on Friday, positioning himself to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the leadership of the Labour Party. With 24,927 votes, Burnham outpaced his nearest rival, Robert Kenyon of the anti-immigration Reform UK, by over 9,000 votes.
Following his victory speech, Burnham emphasized the need for change in British politics. “Everyone knows that politics is not working,” he stated, urging that his win could mark a turning point for the country. He pledged to dedicate his efforts toward ensuring Makerfield becomes synonymous with the transformative change he envisions.
Burnham’s victory adds pressure on Starmer, who faces potential challenges to his leadership. Under the UK’s political structure, Members of Parliament can select a new prime minister without necessitating a general election. Burnham, previously anticipated as a frontrunner in the Labour leadership race of 2015, may represent a formidable competitor against Starmer and former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, should a leadership contest arise.
An Ipsos poll conducted this week indicated that 25% of British adults prefer Burnham as prime minister, compared to 12% favoring Starmer. Should Burnham succeed Starmer, he would become the seventh prime minister since the Brexit vote in 2016.
Starmer, who led Labour to victory in the 2024 elections, has faced growing calls for his resignation following disappointing local and regional election results this past May. In less than two years, twenty ministers have left Starmer’s government, many expressing a lack of confidence in his leadership.
Starmer has resisted calls to step down, asserting that a leadership contest would be detrimental to the country. Burnham, often referred to as the “king of the north,” has cultivated a strong following in Northern England by addressing issues of elite apathy and industrial decline. He has criticized the UK’s political system as “too London-centric” and has challenged neoliberal economic policies.
During his victory address, Burnham described Makerfield as a “touchstone” for his political approach, promising fairness for areas neglected by Westminster. Burnham, who served in various ministerial roles under former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, held a narrow five-point lead over Kenyon in a recent Opinium poll.
The by-election was prompted by the resignation of Labour’s Josh Simons, who previously held the Makerfield seat, allowing Burnham to pursue this opportunity. Approximately 75,000 voters were eligible to participate in the election, which is located about 200 miles northwest of London. Voter turnout was reported at 58.75%, an increase from the 52.4% recorded in the 2024 general election.
