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3d ago

Labour Confirms Andy Burnham for Makerfield By-Election

Burnham’s selection signals a potential leadership test for Labour.

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Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham at The Great North Investment Summit in Leeds. He aims to return to the House of Commons to challenge Sir Keir Starmer (Photo: Phil Noble/Reuters)

Overview

  • Labour’s ruling NEC confirmed Burnham as its Makerfield candidate on Tuesday after the Commons formally moved the by-election writ.
  • Reform UK named local plumber Robert Kenyon as its candidate, with the vote expected in mid-June according to multiple reports though the date is not yet set.
  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he will not set a timetable to step down and pledged full support for Labour’s candidate after calls to quit followed poor 7 May local results.
  • Makerfield is Leave-leaning and saw Reform win nearly all council wards this month, while a Survation forecast reported by The Independent suggests Burnham lifts Labour’s chances but the contest remains close.
  • If Burnham wins, he would still need 81 Labour MP nominations to force a leadership ballot, and a YouGov survey indicates party members currently prefer him over Starmer.