Burnham says his win in Makerfield by-election could be turning point
BBC News 2026-06-19 04:04:50
Context: Andy Burnham, the outgoing Greater Manchester mayor, has won the Makerfield by-election, a Labour stronghold for 120 years, with a significant margin over his nearest challenger from Reform UK. This victory could potentially mark a turning point for the country, according to Burnham, as he prepares for an expected challenge to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. The by-election result comes amid a backdrop of shifting political landscapes in the UK.
Key Facts
- Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election with a significant margin of over 9,000 votes, defeating his nearest challenger Robert Kenyon, a plumber and Reform UK councillor.
- Burnham, in his victory speech, stated that the win could be a turning point for the country and pledged not to use the constituency as a stepping stone, but rather as a "touchstone" for his future work.
- The Labour party had thrown significant resources into the campaign, following historic losses in May's elections, where Labour lost ground to Reform UK in English council elections.
- The by-election result has led to increased calls for Sir Keir Starmer to stand aside, with former Cabinet minister Louise Haigh, who managed Burnham's campaign, expressing hope for an "orderly and managed transition" in the party leadership.
- In other by-elections, Douglas Lumsden of the Scottish Conservatives won the Aberdeen South seat, ending the SNP's 50-year hold on the constituency, while the SNP held onto the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry seat with Lara Bird winning decisively.