Makerfield byelection polls open as Burnham challenges Starmer

Voters in the Makerfield constituency, near Wigan, began voting Thursday in a byelection that could determine the future of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The seat became vacant after Labour MP Josh Simons resigned to allow Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham a clear run at returning to parliament. Burnham urged residents to “vote to change politics” and said he would take the “fight as high as I can possibly take it.” Although Makerfield has been a Labour seat since its creation in 1983, Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon is mounting a stiff challenge, despite his campaign being bogged down by historic sexist social media posts and poor media performances. Starmer said Wednesday he would offer Burnham a “big” job in his government if he wins, but Burnham’s allies said he was not interested, hoping instead for a “coronation” in which Starmer stands aside. Starmer has repeatedly said he has no intention of standing down and will fight any leadership challenge. The Guardian noted it cannot report details of campaigning while polls are open, with voting closing at 10pm.

What’s reported

Key figures

Sources: The Guardian