Labour’s Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election, strengthening his position within the party and intensifying speculation over a possible leadership challenge to Prime Minister and Labour leader Keir Starmer.
The former Greater Manchester mayor secured 55 per cent of the vote, defeating Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon by more than 9,000 votes in a result that is expected to reshape Labour’s internal politics.
Speaking after the victory, Burnham said public frustration with politics was growing and suggested the result could mark a turning point.
“Everyone knows that politics isn’t working,” he told supporters. “Tonight could, just could, be the turning point.”
The victory is likely to fuel speculation about Burnham’s future ambitions after he previously indicated he would consider entering a Labour leadership contest if one were held. Under Labour rules, he would require the backing of 81 Labour MPs to secure a place on the ballot.
Starmer congratulated Burnham on his victory, but the result is being viewed by many political observers as a fresh challenge to his authority at a time when Labour faces mounting scrutiny over its performance in government.
Political analysts said the scale of Burnham’s victory could embolden sections of the party seeking an alternative direction, with the by-election result widely interpreted as a test of Labour’s standing under Starmer’s leadership.
Elsewhere, the Conservatives recorded a victory in the Aberdeen South by-election in Scotland, while the Scottish National Party retained the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry seat.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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