Labour leadership battle looms as Andy Burnham wins Makerfield by-election
Andy Burnham delivers victory speech after winning Makerfield by-election
Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election, securing his return to Westminster and setting up a widely anticipated challenge to Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.
He triumphed over Reform UK by 9,231 votes, increasing Labour’s majority in a seat that had previously seen Reform support in local elections.
In his victory speech, Mr Burnham declared that Labour has a “final chance to change” and must act upon the public’s desire for a different political direction.
Supporters have called for an “orderly and managed transition” of power, while Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to fight any leadership contest.
Mr Burnham resigned as Greater Manchester mayor to contest the seat, pledging that Makerfield would be his “touchstone” rather than a “stepping stone” for his political ambitions.
