Burnham’s Makerfield bypoll win piles pressure on Starmer

I will run, I will stand, says British prime minister

London: Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, has won the Makerfield by-election, returning to Parliament and positioning himself as the leading challenger to PM Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership.

Burnham defeated Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon by more than 9,000 votes, securing nearly 55% of the 45,510 ballots cast. The result strengthens his standing within Labour at a time when Starmer faces growing pressure over the government’s declining popularity.

In his victory speech, Burn­ham signalled his national ambitions, saying the result could mark a turning point for British politics. He pledged to bring his model of regional development, dubbed “Man­chesterism”, to the national stage and said Labour had “a final chance to change” and regain voters’ trust.

Congratulating Bu­rnham, Sir Starmer insisted he would not step aside. “Yes, I will run, I will stand” if there is a Labour leadership contest, adding he had repeatedly made clear he would not walk away from the post.

Labour’s standing has fallen sharply since its landslide election victory in July 2024. The party has struggled to deliver economic growth, improve public services and address the cost-of-living crisis. It is also losing support to both the Green Party and Reform UK, which has made significant gains in northern England.

Pressure on Starmer intensified after Labour’s poor performance in May’s local elections. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned and indicated he would enter a leadership contest if one were held.

Under Labour Party rules, a leadership challenge requires support from one-fifth of Labour lawmakers in the House of Commons. Burn­ham is expected to be sworn in as an MP next week.

Meanwhile, Southport Labour MP Patrick Hurley,  known for being a supporter of PM Starmer, has said he would vote for Burnham in a leadership challenge.

—AP