Burnham wins Makerfield by-election, avoids leadership questions
8 reported
Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election with a majority of 9,231, nearly double that of his predecessor, and 54% of the vote, about 20 percentage points ahead of Reform. At his victory rally, Burnham avoided questions from Sky’s political editor Beth Rigby about becoming prime minister and whether he would challenge Keir Starmer, instead jogging away from cameras. Louise Haigh, who managed Burnham’s campaign, later stated that Burnham has a leadership campaign ready if Starmer refuses to step aside. Starmer insisted the result shows the “tide is turning on Reform” and said he would stand in any contest. Nigel Farage expressed disappointment with Reform’s vote share, which rose 2.7 percentage points from the general election but fell short of his 18,000-vote target. Burnham’s campaign themes included cutting water, energy and rail fares, focusing on vocational education, reindustrialising the north, and backing British businesses. He concluded his speech by saying, “This now is the change moment.”
What’s reported
Burnham won the Makerfield seat with a majority of 9,231, nearly double that of his predecessor Josh Simons in 2024.
He received 54% of the vote, about 20 percentage points ahead of Reform.
Reform’s vote share rose by 2.7 percentage points from the general election.
Burnham avoided questions from Sky’s Beth Rigby about becoming prime minister and challenging Keir Starmer.
Louise Haigh said Burnham has a leadership campaign ready if Starmer refuses to move.
Starmer said the result shows the “tide is turning on Reform” and that he would stand in any contest.
Nigel Farage said he was “disappointed” with Reform’s vote share, which fell short of his 18,000-vote target.
Burnham’s campaign themes included cutting water, energy and rail fares, vocational education, reindustrialisation, and backing British businesses.
Key figures
Andy Burnham, new MP for Makerfield
Beth Rigby, Sky’s political editor
Louise Haigh, former transport secretary, Burnham’s campaign manager
Keir Starmer, prime minister
Nigel Farage, Reform leader
Wes Streeting, former health secretary, rival leadership hopeful
Josh Simons, Burnham’s predecessor as MP for Makerfield
Marie-France, Burnham’s wife
Anneliese Midgley, adviser to Starmer, now key organiser for Burnham
Jon Burns, key aide to Farage
Lisa Nandy, culture secretary
Sources: The Guardian
