Andy Burnham Approved to Contest Makerfield By-Election Amid Labour Leadership Turmoil
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has been approved to stand in the Makerfield by-election, potentially paving the way for a challenge to Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership amid internal party dissent.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has received approval from the Labour Party's National Executive Committee (NEC) to stand in the upcoming Makerfield by-election. This development follows the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons, who stepped down to facilitate Burnham's return to Parliament.
Burnham's candidacy comes at a time of significant internal strife within the Labour Party. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure after the party's substantial losses in recent local elections, with over 1,400 council seats lost across England. Additionally, more than 80 Labour MPs have called for Starmer's resignation.
Burnham, who has served as Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017, is widely regarded as a potential challenger to Starmer's leadership. A recent poll indicates that 42% of Labour members prefer Burnham as the party's next leader.
The Makerfield by-election is expected to be highly competitive. In the 2024 general election, Labour secured the seat with a majority of approximately 5,400 votes over Reform UK. However, recent local election results have shown a surge in support for Reform UK, adding uncertainty to the upcoming contest.
If successful in the by-election, Burnham would need the backing of at least 81 Labour MPs to initiate a leadership challenge against Starmer. Starmer has stated his intention to remain in office despite the party's recent electoral setbacks.