Labour mayor Andy Burnham contests Makerfield by-election that could signal leadership change

Voters in the Makerfield constituency of northwest England will go to the polls on June 18 in a by-election that could have national implications. Labour’s Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, is seeking the seat after the resignation of MP Josh Simons, while Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon, a local plumber and councilor, is his main challenger.

Makerfield has been a Labour stronghold for more than a century, but Reform UK, led nationally by Nigel Farage, captured 24 of 25 council seats in recent local elections. The contest comes amid heightened public debate over immigration, with some residents citing pressure on housing and services.

Burnham, who has served as Greater Manchester mayor since 2017 and previously held parliamentary and ministerial roles, said voters are “fed up” and described the Reform vote as “a cry for real change” that Labour must address. He added that he “will take the fight for the changes I want to see in politics as far as I can take it,” while emphasizing that he makes no assumptions about the outcome.

Reform’s Kenyon, who finished second in the constituency at the 2024 general election, has faced criticism for past social-media comments. The by-election is being watched closely because a Labour win could position Burnham as a potential challenger to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has faced calls for resignation after a poor showing in recent local elections.

Local issues such as shop closures, potholes and petty crime are also influencing the campaign, according to residents. The result will determine who represents Makerfield in Parliament and may signal broader shifts within the Labour Party.