Andy Burnham Wins Makerfield By-Election, Boosting Leadership Hopes

Andy Burnham cleared a major hurdle in his quest to become Britain’s next prime minister — winning the Makerfield by-election.

Burnham comfortably beat his nearest rival, Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon, by more than 9,000 votes, a win which will significantly boost his standing among fellow Labour MPs who are already considering ditching a prime minister who has struggled to connect with the British public.

Burnham will now have a seat in parliament from which he can directly challenge Starmer by mounting a Labour leadership contest.

Starmer has insisted he will fight any challenge from Burnham. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has also made clear he will stand in any contest. If Burnham does win, Starmer’s cabinet will be closely watched for signs they could move against him in a bid to speed up an exit.

While the right-wing populist Reform UK tops national polls, the party’s bruising in Makerfield is a setback to Nigel Farage’s own plans to run Britain. His party has faced its own challenge on the right from the smaller Restore Britain.

POLITICO has all the latest as the Makerfield consequences unfold.