See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy DAVID WILCOCK, DEPUTY POLITICAL EDITOR Published: 08:37 BST, 5 June 2026 | Updated: 09:15 BST, 5 June 2026
Andy Burnham is on course to return to Westminster and challenge Sir Keir Starmer for power, with a new poll suggesting he is going to win the Makerfield by-election.The Greater Manchester mayor has opened up a 10-point lead with voters in the seat two weeks out from the potentially seismic vote that could ultimately result in Sir Keir being forced from power.It reinforced the idea that the battle is a straight race between Labour and Reform UK, represented by local plumber Robert Kenyon.Mr Burnham last night confirmed for the first time that if he is successful in winning the seat in Wigan on June 18 he will stand in a subsequent leadership election. It is likely to trigger a bitter campaign for the reins of power, with No10 last night suggesting Sir Keir would fight any challengers rather than meekly step aside. Deputy PM David Lammy this morning reinforced the message, telling LBC: 'There is no contest at the moment, and my view is it would be a huge distraction at this time.'The Prime Minister ... has been absolutely clear: if there is a contest, he'll be in it.' And Attorney General Lord Hermer told the BBC: 'Keir has constantly been underestimated. I imagine through his life he has been underestimated. 'He has always proven his critics wrong. No one has ever got rich betting against Keir Starmer.'
