Andy Burnham has won a landslide victory over Reform UK in the Makerfield by-election, a result allies say opens the door for him to formally challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. The former Greater Manchester mayor took the seat by more than 9,000 votes. The Independent’s Dan Haygarth was on the ground at Ashton Town Football Club as Burnham addressed jubilant supporters, hailing it as “our last chance to change”. Asked about a leadership challenge, Sir Keir said: “If there is a contest, just to be clear with you, then yes, I will stand.” Peter Cain, 56, said Mr Burnham “can only do good,” while June Bale, 53, said she hoped he’d get the chance to lead the country.

Labour’s Andy Burnham has won a special election for a seat in Parliament, positioning him to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The Greater Manchester mayor was declared the constituency's new MP in the early hours of Friday, as he defeated his Reform UK rival to bring an end to his 9-year hiatus from the…

Greater Manchester mayor's victory in Makerfield clears path for bid to unseat Starmer as prime minister.

Labour’s Andy Burnham has won a special election for a seat in Parliament, positioning him to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Labour’s Andy Burnham has won a special election for a seat in Parliament, positioning him to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election, positioning himself for a Labour leadership challenge. Leadership challenge by 2026 at 90% NO.

Labour's Andy Burnham won the Makerfield parliamentary by-election on Friday, defeating Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon and returning to Westminster after years as Greater…

Greater Manchester mayor says result represents Labour’s ‘final chance to change’, after soundly beating Reform UK and hardline Restore Britain

Burnham's victory cements his status as the top contender to replace Keir Starmer as leader of the Labour Party and the country.

Veteran UK Labour politician Andy Burnham emphatically won a crunch by-election on Friday, securing a parliamentary seat and clearing the way for a widely expected leadership…

The byelection result has demonstrated Andy Burnham’s ability to tackle the populist right-wing Reform UK party at a time of agonising national debate about British PM Keir…

Greater Manchester mayor secures return to Westminster and could now trigger a leadership contest

The veteran Labour politician will return to the Commons after his by-election victory in Makerfield

Andy Burnham won a historic by-election, returning to parliament and clearing the way for a possible Labour leadership challenge.

The by-election victory paves the way for Burnham to challenge Keir Starmer's leadership.

Mayor turned MP says Labour has 'final chance to change' as pressure mounts on Starmer

Former Manchester mayor had made it clear he would challenge Sir Keir Starmer if he won the Makerfield by-election

Win for Greater Manchester mayor paves way for challenge to Keir Starmer’s leadership

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Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election, defeating Reform UK by more than 9,000 votes with nearly 55% of the vote.