Andy Burnham’s sweeping victory in the Makerfield by-election has set him on course to become the next prime minister .
The new MP, and outgoing mayor of Greater Manchester, is understood to want Sir Keir Starmer to set out a timetable for his departure in the coming days, and to be in Downing Street by September.
The Prime Minister has continued to insist he “will stand” in any Labour leadership contest, however. despite calls from Labour backbenchers for him to set an exit date.
Shorts
If Burnham does manage to topple Stamer – either by winning a leadership battle or via a coronation – his record in government and his mayoralty in Manchester give a picture of what his premiership might look like.
Taxes
Burnham has said he will honour the commitment in Labour’s 2024 general election manifesto not to increase the three biggest taxes – income tax, VAT or national insurance.
Launching his by-election campaign last month, he said: “I am committed to the manifesto commitments on tax, I think that’s really important from a trust point of view.”
He did, however, argue there was room to be “more radical” within the confines of these promises.
This is a U-turn from last year, when he said there was “definitely a case” to reintroduce the 50p top rate of income tax before the end of the current Parliament.
He appeared to backtrack in an interview with The Observer last month, saying: “I think we need to tread carefully and carry people with us, not necessarily going straight to new areas of division and conflict.”
On Question Time earlier this month, Burnham suggested he was open to effectively cutting tax by raising the personal allowance, which is currenlty £12,570.
Aside from the three main taxes, Burnham recently told The Guardian he “wouldn’t flinch” from his idea to introduce a “care levy” to fund a national care service.
When he was health secretary in 2009 under Gordon Brown, he proposed a levy on estates to pay for universal social care. In recent years, he has talked about replacing inheritance tax with a progressive “care levy” to fund a national care service.
He also appears keen on a land value tax to replace council tax – a move which his allies from the North of England are clamouring for. “I think land is under-taxed,” he said recently, adding that he has “long been persuaded of the argument for a land value tax”.
Shortly after these comments, however, a spokesperson for Burnham said he “did not propose any changes to the tax system” and supports that manifesto.
In his first policy pledge for the Labour leadership, Burnham promised to cut business rates for pubs and music venues by 20 per cent and abolish them for independent cafes, shops and hairdressers.
Welfare
Burnham has vowed to slash the welfare bill to boost defence, but has said he prefers holistic reform focused on tackling the root causes of youth unemployment rather than changes to eligibility for benefits.
Speaking to The i Paper recently , he said the welfare bill should be reduced by “rethinking the education system” and supporting young people into work rather than “crude cuts”, backing Alan Milburn’s initial report on youth unemployment.
He also plans to draw inspiration from Greater Manchester’s experience of running devolved employment support programmes, linking up services and giving local leaders more powers to support people into work.
However, Jonathan Cribb, deputy director at the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), questioned whether these policies would convince the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) that “significant savings” could be made in the short term.
If he becomes prime minister, Burnham will find himself bound by the same economic constraints and may have to make bigger changes to the welfare bill, which is predicted to hit £400bn by the end of the decade, according to the OBR.
A key driver of this is the state pension triple lock – the guarantee that pensions will rise by the higher of 2.5 per cent, inflation or average wage growth.
Burnham has committed to maintaining the lock until at least the end of this Parliament, but has not commented on what would happen to the policy beyond 2029.
He also said the growing number of older people being drawn into paying income tax through frozen tax thresholds – “fiscal drag” – was an issue that the next government “need[s] to look at as well”.
Migration
Burnham has recently vowed to expand detention of migrants and speed up returns for failed claimants.
Last week, he told BBC Radio Manchester that small boat crossings spoke to a sense that “the country isn’t functioning properly” and that the Government needed to “go further”.
He called for “greater use of detention so that people who have no basis for a claim are not actually admitted into the country”, with faster returns for failed claimants.
Allies of Burnham have told The Times he wants to trigger break clauses in 10-year Home Office accommodation contracts due to expire in 2029, endi…
Read the full article at iNews →📄Source document: Makerfield by-election results→218 reports
BBC News (UK)State / PublicRight2 days agoNigel Farage expressed disappointment with Reform UK's performance in the Makerfield by-election, attributing the loss to voter frustration with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. He suggested that voters wanted to remove Starmer from office, leading to an 'emphatic' Labour victory over Reform's candidate. Farage acknowledged that some votes were also lost to the right-wing party Restore Britain, founded by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe. He urged Restore voters to support Reform as the main challenger to Labour. The by-election was seen as an opportunity for Reform to establish itself as the main
Bias read (Right): The article frames Nigel Farage's comments as a response to a defeat, emphasizing his claim that voter frustration with Sir Keir Starmer led to the Labour victory. The narrative highlights Reform UK's strategic goals and positions Farage as seeking support from another right-wing group, Restore Brit
Middle East EyeIndependentCenter2 days agoAndy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester and current MP for Makerfield, has emerged as the frontrunner to become Britain's next prime minister following his decisive victory in the by-election. His win, with 55% of the vote, significantly outperformed Reform UK, which secured 35%. This result challenges Reform UK's narrative that a Farage-led government is inevitable. The outcome could influence Labour's overall support, though predictions vary regarding the extent of the impact.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual results of the election and quotes varying opinions from pollsters without overtly favoring any side. It does not use loaded language or selectively omit context, maintaining a balanced tone.
Official sources cited
- government Makerfield by-election results
iNewsIndependentCenter2 days agoAndy Burnham's recent by-election win positions him as a potential future prime minister. The article outlines Burnham's potential policies, including his stance on taxation, which aligns with Labour's 2024 manifesto commitment to avoid increasing major taxes. However, Burnham has previously suggested reconsidering the 50p top rate of income tax, indicating a shift in his position.
Bias read (Center): The article presents Burnham's policy positions without overtly favoring one side. It includes direct quotes from Burnham and references his past statements, providing a balanced overview of his potential approach as PM. There is no clear ideological slant in the framing or sourcing.
Full FactIndependentCenter2 days agoIn the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry by-election held on 18 June 2026, the SNP retained the seat, with the Conservatives coming in second and Reform UK finishing third. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claimed his party 'came second' in the by-election, but this was incorrect. The article notes that Reform UK received 183 fewer votes than the Conservatives. Reform UK also finished third in the Aberdeen South by-election.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual corrections regarding Reform UK's placement in the by-elections without expressing overt ideological bias. It focuses on clarifying the actual results versus a claim made by Reform UK's leader. The tone remains neutral, emphasizing accuracy over advocacy.
Official sources cited
- government Arbroath and Broughty Ferry by-election results
- government Aberdeen South by-election results
The IndependentIndependentCenter2 days agoAndy Burnham secured a significant victory in a special UK election, potentially positioning him to challenge Keir Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party. Burnham's win in the Makerfield constituency saw a substantial increase in Labour's vote share, despite overall poor performance by the party in recent polls and local elections. Burnham, who previously served as mayor of Greater Manchester, has expressed ambitions for a leadership role within the party.
Bias read (Center): The article presents facts about Burnham's election results and his potential impact on Labour Party leadership without overtly favoring either Burnham or Starmer. It reports on the implications of the election outcome neutrally, focusing on the political dynamics rather than taking a stance on the
Daily MailIndependentCenter2 days agoThe article discusses Andy Burnham's recent by-election victory in Makerfield, which has positioned him as a potential challenger to current Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Burnham's allies are urging Starmer to step down following Burnham's increased Labour vote share in a region where Reform UK had previously gained ground. Burnham emphasized the need for immediate action within the Labour Party, stating that this moment could be a turning point for British politics. The article includes a reader poll asking whether Burnham would make Britain a better place to live.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the election results and quotes from Burnham without overtly biased language. It includes a reader poll but does not take a stance on the question posed. The content remains neutral in tone and provides balanced context regarding the political situation
Daily MailIndependentRight2 days ago Nigel Farage says Makerfield voted to 'get Starmer out' as he admits Reform's defeat is 'disappointing' - and warns Restore backers must 'think again'Nigel Farage commented on Reform's by-election loss in Makerfield, stating that voters aimed to remove Prime Minister Keir Starmer rather than support Reform. He attributed the defeat to tactical voting and the split among right-wing groups, including Restore. Labour's Andy Burnham secured a significant majority in the election.
Bias read (Right): The article frames the by-election result through Nigel Farage's perspective, emphasizing his claims about voter intent to remove Starmer and attributing the loss to the division within the right-wing bloc. The language highlights Reform's narrative without balancing it with counterpoints from other
openDemocracyIndependentLeft2 days agoThe article discusses the recent by-election results in Makerfield, highlighting Andy Burnham's victory and its implications for the Labour Party. It notes that Burnham's win may secure his position as a potential leader of the party, potentially avoiding a leadership contest if Keir Starmer decides not to run. The piece also mentions the challenges faced by Labour MPs and the possible impact of the far-right Restore Party on the election outcome.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the situation with a focus on the Labour Party's internal dynamics and the potential rise of Andy Burnham, using terms such as 'pathologically inclined toward self-defeat' to describe some Labour MPs, which implies criticism of the party's current state. The tone suggests optimism
The IndependentIndependentLeft2 days ago Reform cannot win a general election – and Makerfield has shown us whyThe article discusses the recent by-election loss of the Reform party in Makerfield, where they were defeated by Andy Burnham. It argues that this result highlights the challenges Reform faces in becoming a major political force, comparing it to the SDP's experience in 1983. The article notes that Reform's reliance on Nigel Farage's personal appeal and lack of substantive policies, particularly focusing on cryptocurrency, has hindered its success.
Bias read (Left): The article frames Reform's failure in a critical light, emphasizing the lack of substantive policies and overreliance on leadership. It contrasts Reform's approach with traditional political strategies and implies that effective communication and political skill are sufficient to counter such a 'cr
The IndependentIndependentLeft2 days ago Makerfield by-election – in numbers: How Andy Burnham stormed to victory in the decisive contestAndy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election with a significant majority, securing over half the vote and surpassing Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon by nearly 10,000 votes. This follows a shift in voter preferences observed during recent local elections where Nigel Farage's party gained ground. Burnham's victory marks his return to Parliament and positions him to potentially challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. The results show Labour's increased vote share compared to previous years, while Reform UK also saw an increase in support, though some of its voters shifted to the新兴党
Bias read (Left): The article emphasizes Andy Burnham's 'historic' victory and frames it as a boost for Labour, highlighting the 'Burnham effect' and noting Labour's improved performance. It contrasts this with Reform UK's gains but presents them as less impactful, suggesting a positive outlook for Labour.
The Guardian (UK)IndependentCenter2 days agoNigel Farage has asked supporters of the Restore Britain party, which ran a candidate in the Makerfield byelection, to switch their support to Reform UK after the results were deemed disappointing for Reform. Reform UK's candidate, Robert Kenyon, finished second but fell short of expectations, while Restore Britain secured around 7% of the vote. Farage acknowledged challenges faced by Kenyon during the campaign, including scrutiny over social media posts. He suggested that Reform's focus on opposing Keir Starmer may have inadvertently benefited Burnham, who won the seat.
Bias read (Center): The article presents facts without overtly favoring any side. It reports on the election outcome, quotes Farage's response, and includes context about the candidates' campaigns and strategies. There is no clear ideological slant in the language or emphasis.
iNewsIndependentLeft2 days ago Farage’s terrible judgement lies at the heart of this thumping defeatThe article discusses the recent by-election in Makerfield, where Andy Burnham of Labour won by a significant margin, giving him momentum in challenging Keir Starmer's leadership. It contrasts this result with Labour's previous defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election, where they lost to the Greens and Reform. The author notes that voters seemed to choose between Burnham and Nigel Farage, with Farage losing. The result is seen as a major setback for Reform, which had previously won all council wards in the area.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the by-election as a 'thumping defeat' for Reform and Nigel Farage, implying criticism of their performance and influence. It emphasizes Burnham's strong showing as a challenge to Keir Starmer, suggesting support for Labour's position. The tone implies that Farage's involvement or
Daily MailIndependentRight2 days ago DAN HODGES: A coronation of the 'King of the North' as PM will doom Burnham to repeat Keir's mistakesThe article discusses Andy Burnham's potential rise to Prime Minister following his significant victory in the Makerfield by-election. It notes that Burnham is taking time to reflect and prepare for the role, emphasizing that his leadership should emerge from a broader national contest rather than being a foregone conclusion. The piece highlights Burnham's strong local support and the uncertainty surrounding his future policies.
Bias read (Right): The article frames Burnham's potential ascension to PM as a 'coronation,' implying it lacks democratic legitimacy. It suggests caution around Burnham's leadership without providing balanced counterpoints, using phrases like 'doom Burnham to repeat Keir's mistakes' which implies criticism of Labour's
The IndependentIndependentCenter2 days ago What does Andy Burnham’s crushing Makerfield victory mean for Keir Starmer?Andy Burnham won a significant by-election in Makerfield, defeating Reform UK by a large margin. He described the result as a 'turning point' and suggested it gives Labour a final opportunity to make changes. Burnham, who previously served as Greater Manchester mayor, is expected to return to Parliament and may formally challenge Keir Starmer for leadership. Some of Burnham's allies are urging Starmer to step down as prime minister.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the outcome of the by-election and quotes both Burnham and his allies, without overtly favoring either side. It frames the situation as a potential challenge to Starmer but does not explicitly endorse or criticize any position. The language remains neutral, focusing on reportedÂ
Official sources cited
- statement Andy Burnham's statement on the by-election results
- statement Burnham allies' calls for Starmer to step down
Daily MailIndependentCenter2 days ago Markets wait for Burnham to make his move against Starmer - as investors brace for higher borrowing costsMarkets have reacted cautiously to Andy Burnham's by-election victory in Makerfield, with limited immediate impact on bond and currency markets. The article notes that Burnham is expected to initiate a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer, potentially shifting Labour's policies further to the left through increased taxation and spending. This could increase borrowing costs at a time when public finances are already under strain, with recent borrowing figures exceeding forecasts. Analysts suggest that while the political situation may become more volatile in the short term, concerns关于公
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about market reactions, financial data, and potential policy shifts without overtly favoring any political side. It includes quotes from analysts and references official economic data, maintaining a balanced tone.
Official sources cited
- government Office for Budget Responsibility
The IndependentIndependentCenter2 days ago ‘British politics set for fresh chaos’: How world’s media reacted to Andy Burnham’s by-election winThe by-election in Makerfield saw Labour candidate Andy Burnham win by over 9,000 votes, positioning him as a potential challenger to Prime Minister Keir Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party. International media, including the Wall Street Journal, highlighted the significance of the result, describing it as a potential source of further political instability in the UK.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the event factually without overtly favoring any side. It reports on the election outcome and quotes international media reactions neutrally, without using loaded language or emphasizing one perspective over another.
The Guardian (UK)IndependentCenter2 days ago What next for Andy Burnham? Five key questions after Makerfield winAndy Burnham's decisive victory in the Makerfield byelection has raised questions about his potential challenge to Keir Starmer's leadership within the Labour Party. Burnham, who previously served as mayor of Greater Manchester, described the win as the 'most consequential byelection of our lives' and suggested it could mark a turning point for both the constituency and the country. The high voter turnout of 58.75%, the largest for a byelection in seven years, was seen as a positive sign for Labour. Burnham secured 55% of the vote, while Reform candidate Robert Kenyon received 35%, with the新兴的
Bias read (Center): The article presents the outcome of the byelection without overtly favoring any particular side. It reports on Burnham's victory and its implications for Labour leader Keir Starmer, as well as Reform's performance, without using biased language or selectively emphasizing one perspective over another
Official sources cited
- press release Guardian's north of England correspondent Hannah Al-Othman
New StatesmanIndependentCenter2 days agoAndy Burnham has won a significant victory in the Makerfield area.
Bias read (Center): The headline and summary present the election result without overtly biased language or framing. The article does not appear to emphasize any particular ideological perspective, suggesting a balanced approach to reporting on the electoral outcome.
UnHerdIndependentRight2 days agoThe article discusses Andy Burnham's political journey and his recent success in the Makerfield constituency. It critiques his shifting positions and career as a politician but acknowledges his role in revitalizing the Labour Party in a region where it was previously unpopular. The piece highlights Burnham's ability to outperform his party's overall performance and suggests that his leadership is currently dominant within Labour.
Bias read (Right): The article uses critical and dismissive language toward Burnham, referring to him as a 'serial flip-flopper,' 'chameleon,' and 'career politician.' It also frames his success as an anomaly ('Made Labour Normal Again') rather than a genuine revival, implying skepticism about his policies and motives
BBC News (UK)State / PublicCenter2 days ago Burnham says Labour has final chance to change after Makerfield by-election winAndy Burnham secured a significant victory in the Makerfield by-election with nearly 55% of the vote, positioning himself to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour Party leadership. Burnham described the result as a 'turning point' for the country and emphasized that he would not use the constituency as a stepping stone. In contrast, Communities Secretary Steve Reed stated that 'change is happening' under the current government and called for unity within Labour. Reform UK's deputy leader, Richard Tice, noted that his party came second in the by-election, suggesting voters supported Burnham
Bias read (Center): The article presents multiple perspectives without overtly favoring any side. It includes quotes from Andy Burnham, Steve Reed, and Richard Tice, providing balanced coverage of the by-election outcome and its implications for Labour Party leadership. The language remains neutral, focusing on the raw
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