See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy JAMES TAPSFIELD, UK POLITICAL EDITOR Published: 10:55 BST, 14 June 2026 | Updated: 11:05 BST, 14 June 2026
Andy Burnham swiped at Donald Trump today as another poll showed him closing in on victory in the Makerfield by-election.The Greater Manchester Mayor lashed out at the 'poisonous' politics of the US as he hinted at an immediate challenge to Keir Starmer if he wins.Campaigning in the northern seat is entering a frantic final few days, with Labour increasingly confident of seeing off a challenge from Reform. Mr Burnham has seemingly been aided by Restore splitting the Right-wing vote.A Convergent Research survey has suggested the former Cabinet minister has a 12-point lead in the contest, on 49 per cent with Reform's Robert Kenyon on 37 per cent.Other polls have put the race much tighter, with Restore on up to 8 per cent support. Opinion is notoriously hard to sample accurately at constituency level. Allies of Mr Burnham have been split on how quickly he should move against the PM if he does become an MP again.But he looks increasingly likely to act quickly, with some Burnham supporters predicting a 'coronation' by Monday despite Sir Keir vowing to fight any leadership challenge.
