Andy Burnham won a significant victory in the Makerfield by-election, raising questions about the future of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The article explores potential internal challenges within the Labour Party, including possible moves by cabinet ministers, MPs, and party members to remove Starmer. It also examines whether this by-election represents Labour's final opportunity to regain voter support and if Burnham could revitalize the party. Additionally, the piece considers the possibility of a Conservative resurgence following their unexpected win in Aberdeen South and whether the SNP is承
The leadership campaign of Britain's Andy Burnham will now finally burst into the open — and Keir Starmer has a chilly reception awaiting the new MP
By DAN BLOOM in ASHTON-IN-MAKERFIELD, England
Andy Burnham makes a speech to supporters after winning the Makerfield by-election on June 19, 2026. | Ryan Jenkinson/Getty Images
June 19, 2026
7:22 am CET
Andy Burnham spent the last month running a hopey-changey campaign from a small town social club to become an MP. His allies have been plotting frenetically behind the scenes to launch the campaign for No. 10 that now begins in Westminster.
The former veteran of the Westminster machine — who left for the North in the 2010s — will return to work in London by Monday as the MP for the constituency of Makerfield, in northwest England. The sitting mayor of Greater Manchester won 55 percent of the vote in the parliamentary seat to 35 percent for Nigel Farage’s right-wing party Reform UK. That makes him eligible to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer — putting the battle for Britain’s leadership in the hands of just a few hundred thousand Labour and trade union members.
The pivot will mark a shift for Burnham, who kept his campaign message relentlessly positive, rationing interviews and avoiding most tricky questions, like: When will he challenge? Who’ll run his team? And what exactly is his plan for Britain? He didn’t say. Many of his allies can’t even agree.
Starmer, who has pledged to fight for the job he won in a landslide general election less than two years ago, and his allies will exploit those questions to the fullest. The two men are expected to speak as soon as this weekend after a month-long campaign in which the pair didn’t hold a single phone call — despite the official Labour mandate to all sitting members of parliament to help Burnham win.
Burnham, who will be sworn in on Monday, is expected to try to persuade Starmer to step aside, though allies say he won’t launch a formal leadership challenge in the first 72 hours after today’s by-election victory. In preparation for the expected contest, however, he has been devoting more time in recent weeks to work up national policy. There are 100-day plans, though they’re still embryonic. Current Cabinet ministers, nominally loyal to Starmer, have been lining up for phone calls with Burnham. And yet Starmer’s allies say his resolve to fight for his job has hardened in recent weeks; they say the PM even believes he can beat Burnham, the overwhelming favorite, in a vote of the party’s grassroots members.
Burnham isn’t alone in his ambition to topple his party chief, who has been weakened by a poor Labour performance in recent local elections as well as a cascade of embarrassments stemming from his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson, a longtime friend of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as the U.K. ambassador to Washington. Other rivals include Wes Streeting, a leading light from Labour’s centrist wing who resigned last month from his position as health secretary.
Wes Streeting, one of Burnham’s leadership rivals, reveals his “economic blueprint for Britain” and talks about his vision for “progressive capitalism” in a London speech on June 16. | Alishia Abodunde/Getty Images
Allies of both Burnham and Streeting believe some Cabinet ministers could resign next week to pile pressure on Starmer to set a timetable for his exit. If Starmer resists, Burnham or Streeting are expected to launch a formal challenge. Streeting insists he has the 80 MP backers he needs under party rules, despite Starmer’s belief that he is bluffing — and despite Streeting continuing to contact ministers urging them to resign, back him or both.
“None of us know where we’re going to end up by next week,” one Cabinet minister, granted anonymity to speak frankly like other figures quoted in this piece, told POLITICO in recent days.
“I’m so tired of the rollercoaster,” added one Starmer-allied official in London. Asked about plans for Friday, another said: “I will be crying and doing my CV.”
With Reform leading national opinion polls, all three main contenders for Labour’s crown — Starmer, Burnham and Streeting — have privately or publicly ruled out a general election, which would risk Labour’s governing majority, before the next deadline in 2029. That leaves the party facing civil war instead, as it strives to answer the most urgent question facing them all: Who should lead Labour’s coming battle against Farage and Reform UK for Britain’s future?
POLITICO spoke to more than two dozen serving politicians and officials allied to Burnham, Starmer and Streeting for the inside story of how Britain’s most consequential by-election in decades unfolded. It is a story of big personalities playing for the highest stakes, amid bitter infighting — which will likely only intensify in the days and weeks to come.
First question: When to move?
For Burnham, one pressing logistical question is about timing: When should he aim t…
Read the full article at Politico Europe →Andy Burnham has won the election in Makerfield. Keir Starmer has warned of 'chaos' during the leadership contest within Labour.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on electoral results and internal party dynamics without overtly favoring any political side. It presents factual information without loaded language or biased sourcing.
Andy Burnham won a significant victory in the Makerfield by-election, raising questions about the future of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The article explores potential internal challenges within the Labour Party, including possible moves by cabinet ministers, MPs, and party members to remove Starmer. It also examines whether this by-election represents Labour's final opportunity to regain voter support and if Burnham could revitalize the party. Additionally, the piece considers the possibility of a Conservative resurgence following their unexpected win in Aberdeen South and whether the SNP is承
Bias read (Center): The article presents multiple perspectives and questions without overtly favoring any side. It discusses potential actions within the Labour Party and mentions various political figures and scenarios without clear ideological bias.
Andy Burnham, newly elected MP for Makerfield, is set to enter the race for Labour Party leadership, challenging current PM Keir Starmer. Burnham's campaign focused on positivity while keeping details of his leadership bid vague. His victory in the by-election gives him eligibility to contest for the top position within the party.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced overview of Burnham's election and his potential leadership bid without overtly favoring either Burnham or Starmer. It notes Burnham's strategic approach and the implications for the Labour Party but avoids explicit endorsement or criticism of either figure.
Official sources cited
Andy Burnham, the leader of the Labour Party, has won the by-election in the English constituency of Makerfield with 54% of the vote. This victory grants him a seat in the House of Commons, allowing him to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for leadership within the party. Burnham, currently the mayor of Manchester, defeated Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon, who received 35% of the votes. The new far-right party Restore Britain came third with 7%. Burnham emphasized themes of 'change' and 'hope' in his victory speech, suggesting this could be a turning point for the north of England and un
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual results of an election without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on the outcome and quotes Burnham’s remarks neutrally, without emphasizing any particular ideological stance.
Official sources cited
The article discusses various political developments in the United Kingdom, including Labour Party Chair Anna Turley criticizing Elon Musk following Belfast riots, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy commenting on Reform UK's stance regarding flying the Ukrainian flag, analyses of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's efforts to maintain public support, and coverage of Andy Burnham's performance in a televised debate ahead of the Makerfield by-election.
Bias read (Center): The article provides multiple perspectives on current political issues without overtly favoring any particular side. It includes statements from different political figures and parties, offering balanced coverage of their positions and actions.
Official sources cited
The article discusses various political developments in the UK, including Wes Streeting's challenge to Keir Starmer, Andy Burnham's ambitions to replace Starmer, and Dan Jarvis's appointment as defense secretary. It also mentions how Andy Burnham was influenced by interactions with U.S. mayors.
Bias read (Center): The article presents multiple perspectives and developments within UK politics without overtly favoring any particular side. It reports on internal party dynamics and leadership changes without using biased language or selective sourcing.
Official sources cited
The article discusses UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's plans for the upcoming week, including potential announcements such as a social media ban for under-16s and attendance at a G7 summit. It also covers the resignation of John Healey as defense secretary and speculates on Starmer's approach to governance. The piece mentions discussions around who might be advising the PM and provides information on candidates in the Makerfield by-election.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced discussion of Starmer's potential actions without overtly favoring any political perspective. It references events and decisions without explicit ideological framing or biased language.
Official sources cited
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is heading to the G7 summit in France amid growing concerns among his allies about his leadership. Recent resignations of key cabinet members, including Defense Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, have raised questions about Starmer's tenure. Healey's resignation letter criticized Starmer's handling of military funding, challenging claims of stability and competence. Additionally, Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, has announced plans to run for the leadership of the Labour Party if he wins a by-election.
Bias read (Center): The article presents facts about internal political challenges faced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, including resignations and potential leadership contests. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. The framing remains neutral, focusing on reported events,
Official sources cited
Andy Burnham, a senior member of the UK Labour Party, resigned from Parliament in 2016 to run for mayor of Greater Manchester. His decision was seen as unconventional at the time but has since led to his potential return to Westminster. If elected in a special election, Burnham could become UK Prime Minister, signaling a shift toward regionally driven populism and representing a challenge to the rising influence of the right.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced overview of Burnham's career trajectory without overtly favoring any political side. It highlights both his personal choices and their implications for UK politics without using loaded language or one-sided sourcing.
Official sources cited
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