Burnham wins Makerfield byelection with over 50% of vote
8 reported
Andy Burnham won the Makerfield byelection with well over 50% of the vote, according to a report from The Guardian. The victory was described as a coronation, with Burnham appearing at a celebration rally at Ashton Town FC six hours after the count. In his speech, Burnham thanked volunteers and the people of Makerfield, as well as former MP Josh Simons, who vacated the seat for the election. Burnham’s speech included promises of an economy that works for everyone, and improvements to industry, education, and the NHS. The report notes that Labour leader Keir Starmer was not present at the rally, instead posting a brief congratulations on X and appearing in a TV clip in Barnet about a housebuying transparency scheme. Reform candidate Rob Kenyon departed without a murmur, and Reform leader Nigel Farage posted a sulky video from a field, calling the night disappointing.
What’s reported
Andy Burnham took well over 50% of the vote in the Makerfield byelection.
Rob Kenyon was the Reform candidate.
Burnham held a celebration rally at Ashton Town FC six hours after the count.
Former MP Josh Simons vacated the seat for the election.
Burnham’s speech included promises for an economy that works for everyone, and improvements to industry, education, and the NHS.
Labour leader Keir Starmer was not at the rally; he posted “congrats” on X and did a TV clip in Barnet about a housebuying transparency scheme.
Reform leader Nigel Farage posted a video from a field, saying he had expected a disappointing night but not this disappointing.
The report states that if Makerfield had voted as it did in the May local elections, Kenyon would have won with a majority of 8,000.
Key figures
Andy Burnham, Labour candidate and winner of the Makerfield byelection
Rob Kenyon, Reform candidate
Josh Simons, former MP who vacated the seat
Keir Starmer, Labour leader
Nigel Farage, Reform leader
Steve Reed, Labour MP and Starmer supporter
Sources: The Guardian
