Overview
- The Makerfield by‑election takes place on Thursday, June 18, and constituency polls show Andy Burnham with a roughly mid‑single‑digit lead over Reform UK in a tight race.
- Polling shows Restore Britain on roughly 7–13 percent, a level that could split Reform’s vote and act as a spoiler that materially affects the first‑past‑the‑post outcome.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly urged Burnham not to launch an immediate challenge and has signalled he would offer Burnham a cabinet role if he wins.
- Former health secretary Wes Streeting has quit the cabinet and said he is prepared to mount a leadership bid, claiming he has the backing threshold needed to stand.
- If Burnham wins he must resign as Greater Manchester mayor, triggering a mayoral by‑election under the recently restored supplementary vote system which Labour believes will help its chances.