Overview
- Andy Burnham officially launched his Makerfield campaign on Friday, canvassing in Ashton‑in‑Makerfield as Labour mobilised local activists for the June 18 by‑election.
- The first by‑election poll from Survation puts Burnham narrowly ahead on 43 percent versus Reform UK on 40 percent, signalling a very close contest.
- Reform’s strong showing in recent local elections, when it won every ward in Makerfield, has transformed the formerly safe Labour seat into a genuine two‑horse race.
- Labour ally Josh Simons resigned his seat to allow Burnham to stand and a win would let Burnham seek the 81 MP nominations needed to force a formal leadership ballot, though party rules mean a member vote could still take months.
- Reform candidate Robert Kenyon has been criticised over alleged offensive past social posts, and the campaign has intensified debate inside Labour with figures such as Wes Streeting and Jess Phillips positioning themselves in a wider challenge to Starmer.