‘Astonishing’ win for Andy Burnham puts pressure on Starmer to step aside

Andy Burnham wins Makerfield: Starmer rival sets up leadership fight after by-election victory | The National

Andy Burnham won Makerfield by-election with 54.8%, defeating Reform UK (34.5%) and raising Labour's share 9.61 points, positioning himself to challenge Premier Keir Starmer for leadership. His decisive victory signals potential UK political instability as Starmer faces mounting pressure to resign or contest an internal challenge requiring 81 MPs—a shift with implications for governance direction and regulatory priorities.