Makerfield by-election puts Andy Burnham and Labour to the test

Makerfield by-election puts Andy Burnham and Labour to the test
A woman arrives to vote in the Makerfield by-election at St. Nathaniel's Church, in Platt Bridge, Wigan, Britain, 18 June 2026.
Reuters
By Zeynab Farajzade
June 18, 2026 15:24
comments
share

Voters in Makerfield are casting their ballots in a closely watched by-election that could have implications far beyond Greater Manchester.

Burnham seeks return to Westminster

The contest was triggered after Labour MP Josh Simons resigned to allow Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to stand.

Polling stations opened across the constituency on Thursday, with counting due to take place overnight and a result expected in the early hours of Friday. The by-election has attracted national attention because it is widely seen as a test of Labour's popularity and of Burnham's political ambitions.

Burnham, who has served as Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017 and was previously a Labour MP and Cabinet minister, is seeking a return to Westminster after nearly a decade away from Parliament. Throughout the campaign, he has argued that British politics requires significant change and has promoted what supporters describe as a more locally focused approach to government.

Greater Manchester Mayor and Labour candidate Andy Burnham delivers a speech on apprenticeships, during the Makerfield by-election campaign, in Wigan, Britain, 13 June, 2026.
Reuters

The seat became vacant in May when Simons stepped down, saying Labour needed fresh energy and describing Burnham as the right person to represent the constituency. Under parliamentary rules, Burnham can stand for election while serving as mayor, but he would automatically leave the mayoralty if elected to Parliament.

Reform UK targets breakthrough

Reform UK has emerged as Labour's main challenger in the race. Its candidate, Robert Kenyon, is hoping to build on the party's recent local election successes across parts of northern England, where dissatisfaction with mainstream politics has helped boost support for anti-establishment parties. Polling suggests the contest has narrowed into a direct battle between Labour and Reform.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reacts next to Reform UK Makerfield by-election candidate Rob Kenyon in Wigan, Britain, 18 June 2026.
Reuters

The campaign has also highlighted broader political tensions, including concerns over immigration, living standards and the future direction of Labour under Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Several polls indicate Burnham remains one of the most popular figures within the Labour movement, leading to speculation that a return to Parliament could strengthen his position in any future leadership contest.

Wider significance beyond Makerfield

Another factor in the race is the presence of Restore Britain, a breakaway right-wing party led by supporters of former Reform MP Rupert Lowe. Political analysts suggest the party could split the right-wing vote, potentially benefiting Labour in a closely fought contest.

While the by-election will decide only one parliamentary seat, its significance extends well beyond Makerfield. A Labour victory would strengthen Burnham's standing within the party, while a Reform breakthrough would reinforce the argument that the party's rise represents a lasting challenge to Britain's political establishment.

Tags

News Politics Keir Starmer United Kingdom Labour party
comments
share