Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAndy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election, securing his return to Westminster and setting up a widely anticipated challenge to Sir Keir Starmer's leadership. He triumphed over Reform UK by 9,231 votes, increasing Labour's majority in a seat that had previously seen Reform support in local elections. In his victory speech, Mr Burnham declared that Labour has a “final chance to change” and must act upon the public's desire for a different political direction. Supporters have called for an “orderly and managed transition” of power, while Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to fight any leadership contest. Mr Burnham resigned as Greater Manchester mayor to contest the seat, pledging that Makerfield would be his “touchstone” rather than a “stepping stone” for his political ambitions. In fullAndy Burnham wins Makerfield by-election landslide to pave way for challenge to Keir StarmerThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Labour leadership battle looms as Andy Burnham wins Makerfield by-election
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAndy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election, securing his return to Westminster and setting up a widely anticipated challenge to Sir Keir Starmer's leadership. He triumphed over Reform UK by 9,231 votes, increasing Labour's majority in a seat that had previously seen Reform support in local elections. In his victory speech, Mr Burnham declared that Labour has a “final chance to change” and must act upon the public's desire for a different political direction. Supporters have called for an “orderly and managed transition” of power, while Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to fight any leadership contest. Mr Burnham resigned as Greater Manchester mayor to contest the seat, pledging that Makerfield would be his “touchstone” rather than a “stepping stone” for his political ambitions. In fullAndy Burnham wins Makerfield by-election landslide to pave way for challenge to Keir StarmerThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
