Wes Streeting is backing Andy Burnham for Makerfield by-election

Andy Burnham moves to take on Starmer – but Labour should be careful what they wish for

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is seeking to return to Parliament by standing in the Makerfield by-election, following the resignation of MP Josh Simons from the traditionally safe Labour seat.
Wes Streeting, who recently resigned from his ministerial role and is widely expected to mount a Labour leadership challenge, has publicly endorsed Burnham as Labour’s ‘best chance of winning’ the by-election against Reform UK.
Despite Streeting’s public backing for Burnham, a campaign source confirmed his intention to be a candidate in any future Labour leadership contest, while Angela Rayner has also not ruled out running.
Labour’s deputy leader, Lucy Powell, confirmed there would be ‘absolutely no attempt’ to block Burnham from standing, with the party’s National Executive Committee expected to decide on his candidacy next week.
The Makerfield constituency, historically a Labour stronghold, is anticipated to be a challenging contest due to Reform UK’s increased vote share in the recent general election, making Burnham’s popularity crucial.