Labour in Chaos: Andy Burnham Approved for Makerfield By-Election as Starmer Faces Left-Wing Revolt
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Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has been approved to stand in the Makerfield by-election, fueling speculation of a hard-left takeover of Labour and intensifying the party's leadership crisis as Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure from radical elements.
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, a move that highlights the deepening chaos and division within Labour. This follows the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons, who stepped down to make way for Burnham's return to Parliament, a clear sign of the party's willingness to bend to internal power plays.
Burnham's candidacy comes at a time when Labour is riven by infighting and dominated by left-wing activists determined to oust Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer is facing mounting pressure after the party's disastrous performance in recent local elections, losing over 1,400 council seats across England—a direct result of Labour's lurch to the left and its disconnect from ordinary voters. More than 80 Labour MPs, emboldened by the party's radical base, have called for Starmer's resignation, threatening to drag Labour even further from the political mainstream.
Burnham, who has served as Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017 and is known for his populist rhetoric and support for expansive government intervention, is widely seen as a potential challenger to Starmer's leadership. A recent poll indicates that 42% of Labour members, many from the party's hard-left, prefer Burnham as the next leader, raising concerns about Labour's future direction.
The Makerfield by-election is expected to be highly competitive. In the 2024 general election, Labour narrowly held 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, reflecting growing public frustration with Labour's leftist agenda and opening the door for a possible upset.
If successful in the by-election, Burnham would need the backing of at least 81 Labour MPs to launch a leadership challenge against Starmer. Despite the party's recent electoral setbacks, Starmer has stated his intention to remain in office, but Labour's internal war threatens to push the party further into extremism and away from the concerns of mainstream Britain.