Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham is expected to challenge Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party.
A video screen declaring “VOTE ANDY FOR US” and depicting Andy Burnham adorns the side of a home in Ashton-in-Makerfield, England, on June 10, 2026. (Christopher Furlong / Getty Images)
On June 18, an unusual but potentially consequential vote is scheduled to be held in a little-known parliamentary constituency on the outskirts of Manchester in northwest England. The outcome in Makerfield, as the area is known, could quickly lead to the selection of a new British prime minister.
The candidate of the governing Labour Party is Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester. If he wins, Burnham is expected to quickly challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has been badly wounded by a series of snafus and regional election losses. “If I get your support, I would seek to represent you at the highest possible level,” he said during a BBC debate in Makerfield.
A career politician, Burnham, 56, gave up his parliamentary seat in the area for the mayoralty in 2017. Now, at a time when the central government in London is out of favor, he is trying to parlay his association with Manchester, the star performer of an otherwise lackluster British economy, into the premiership. “I pioneered a new politics,” he said during a recent televised debate staged by the BBC. Burnham said he would bring the “more collaborative,” long-term approach that he calls “Manchesterism” back to the capital “to restore the public’s trust.”
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The Makerfield vote will also be a test of whether Labour can weather the rise of Reform UK, the British analogue of Donald Trump’s MAGA movement, which made large gains in local elections in May. With Reform leading in recent national polls, the party’s leader, Nigel Farage, who was instrumental in pushing Britain to vote to leave the European Union a decade ago, is now also seen as a possible future prime minister. Farage’s gaining that role “would obviously have all sorts of impacts in terms of the nation’s foreign policy, its stance toward Europe and its relations with the United States,” said Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London.
That the election is occurring at all is evidence of the volatility of contemporary British politics, which has produced five prime ministers in the last seven years.
Less than two years ago, on July 4, 2024, Starmer led the Labour Party to its first general election victory in nearly 14 years, winning a large majority of 411 of 650 seats in parliament. Yet the goodwill Starmer earned by the win dissipated at a pace that surprised analysts. What’s certain is that Starmer is now hugely unpopular and that a series of wrong moves contributed. Early in his term, Starmer cut a popular subsidy of winter heating costs for the elderly. Later, he appointed Peter Mandelson, a controversial political figure, to the prestigious post of ambassador to Washington, and then dismissed him after embarrassing revelations of the close ties the envoy had to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The May elections benefited not only Reform but other parties too, including the Greens, who are now focused on inequality, and the Welsh nationalist Plaid Cymru party. Britain’s traditional duopoly between Labour and the right-leaning Conservatives has fragmented. For example, a May survey of voters by YouGov, a polling firm, was topped by Reform, with 24 percent, and showed four other parties with 14 percent or more. Labour polled only 17 percent.
Labour’s defeats triggered a wave of soul-searching and a handful of resignations by ministers in Starmer’s government. “Where we need vision, we have a vacuum,” Wes Streeting, the health secretary, wrote in his departure letter to Starmer. Streeting, another possible—though unlikely—prime ministerial candidate, said it was clear that the prime minister would not lead the Labour Party in the next election, which must be held by 2029. Starmer is resisting those urging him to set a departure date.
The Makerfield election was triggered when the incumbent, Josh Simons, resigned last month to give Burnham the opportunity to win the parliamentary seat he needs to challenge Starmer.
Burnham won’t need a national election to become prime minister. He can force a leadership contest by gaining support from 20 percent, or 81, of Labour’s members of parliament. “He’ll be riding on the crest of a wave, really, as far as a lot of Labour MPs are concerned,” Bale said.
Although Makerfield, a collection of town centers and former coal mines, has been a Labour constituency, its characteristics now favor Reform. The residents are almost all white and British-born. The area voted heavily to leave the European Union in 2016. Brexit voters now form the core of Reform’s support, analysts say.
“If it was any other Labour candidate, you would be sure they would lose,” said Scarlett Maguire, founder of Merlin Strategy, a pol…
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15 reports
Bloomberg NewsParty-aligned🔒Center2 days agoAndy Burnham, a member of the UK's Labour Party, stated during a rally in Makerfield that the recent by-election victory, where he received 54.8% of the vote, represents a pivotal moment for change.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a straightforward report of Burnham's statement following his electoral success without overtly favoring any political perspective. It does not include commentary or framing that would indicate a clear ideological slant.
Bloomberg NewsParty-aligned🔒Left2 days ago Burnham: Need an Economy That 'Works for Everybody'Andy Burnham, a Labour Party member, emphasized the need for an economy that works for everyone during a speech at a rally in Makerfield following his by-election victory, where he received 54.8% of the vote.
Bias read (Left): The article highlights Burnham's focus on making life more affordable and his emphasis on an economy that works for everyone, which aligns with progressive economic policies typically associated with left-leaning perspectives.
Bloomberg NewsParty-aligned🔒Center2 days ago Burnham Election Victory Opens Path to Challenge UK PM StarmerAndy Burnham secured a decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election, which opens the possibility for him to challenge UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the leadership of the Labour Party.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about an election result and its potential implications without using biased language or emphasizing one side over another. It does not include commentary or framing that would indicate a clear ideological slant.
The New York Times (World)Independent🔒Center2 days agoAndy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election, which clears the path for him to challenge Keir Starmer as the leader of the Labour Party and potentially as the next UK prime minister.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the election results factually without overtly favoring any political side. It mentions Burnham's victory and its implications for challenging Starmer but does not include biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing.
Bloomberg NewsParty-aligned🔒Center2 days ago Burnham's By-Election Win Paves Way to Oust StarmerGreater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham won a by-election in the constituency of Makerfield with 54.8% of the vote, defeating Robert Kenyon of Reform UK, who received 34.5%. The result is seen as a potential pathway for Burnham to challenge UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual election results without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It mentions the implications of the win but does not frame it with clear ideological slant. The report is based on official election data and does not include commentary that favors one side over the
Official sources cited
- government Election Results for Makerfield Constituency
Christian Science MonitorIndependentCenter3 days agoThe article discusses the upcoming by-election in the Makerfield constituency in England, which could influence the future leadership of the UK. Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, is seeking re-entry into Parliament through this election, with the potential to challenge current Prime Minister Keir Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party and possibly the premiership. The article highlights the challenges Burnham faces, including voter dissatisfaction with the centre-left Labour Party and shifting political dynamics in the UK.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the situation objectively without overtly favoring either candidate or political side. It outlines both the opportunities and challenges faced by Burnham without using biased language or selectively emphasizing one perspective over another. The framing remains neutral, focusing
NBC NewsIndependentLeft3 days agoResidents of Makerfield in northwest England will vote in a special election to determine if Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester known as 'King of the North,' will return to Parliament. If elected, Burnham has stated he would challenge current Prime Minister Keir Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party. This comes amid criticism of Starmer's leadership, with reports of low popularity due to policy reversals and scandals, including the appointment of a Jeffrey Epstein associate as ambassador to Washington. Meanwhile, Burnham's appeal is attributed to his relatable persona and the当前
Bias read (Left): The article frames the situation as a potential shift in leadership from a less popular incumbent (Starmer) to a more charismatic figure (Burnham), highlighting issues like stagnant wages and racial tensions while emphasizing Burnham's appeal. The tone suggests a critique of Starmer's policies and a
The New York Times (World)Independent🔒Left3 days ago Why the By-Election in Makerfield Will Have Giant Consequences for the UKThe article discusses the upcoming by-election in Makerfield and highlights its potential significance for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, suggesting that the outcome could result in his removal from office.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the by-election as having 'giant consequences' for the UK and specifically mentions the possibility of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's ouster, which implies a focus on the political ramifications and suggests an emphasis on the potential instability or change in leadership. This phr
Bloomberg NewsParty-aligned🔒Center4 days ago What It Would Take for Labour to Replace Keir StarmerThe by-election in Makerfield is seen as a pivotal test for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with a potential win by his Labour Party rival Andy Burnham likely triggering a leadership challenge.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual summary of the situation without overtly favoring any side. It notes the significance of the by-election but does not use biased language or selectively present information to support one perspective over another.
Bloomberg NewsParty-aligned🔒Center4 days ago Starmer Faces Cabinet Showdown in Days After Crucial By-ElectionSupporters of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham anticipate that senior members of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's cabinet will urge him to accept a transfer of power in the coming days, aiming to prevent him from continuing in his role.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on potential internal discussions within the Labour Party without taking a stance or using biased language. It presents the situation factually, focusing on expectations rather than endorsing any particular viewpoint.
The Washington TimesIndependentRight4 days agoA parliamentary by-election in a working-class area outside Manchester has become a significant test for Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership. Labour Party member Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, is running for a vacant seat and aims to position himself as a potential successor to Starmer. The election could also signal a shift in British politics, with Burnham seeking to challenge Starmer's leadership following what some view as missteps in his administration. Burnham faces a Reform Party candidate, Robert Kenyon, a local plumber.
Bias read (Right): The article frames the situation as a 'referendum' on Starmer's leadership and highlights Burnham's challenge to him, suggesting that Starmer's tenure is under threat due to 'misstep-plagued administration.' This implies criticism of Starmer's leadership without balanced counterpoints. Additionally,
Bloomberg NewsParty-aligned🔒Right8 days ago Burnham Plans Swift Power Grab as Starmer’s Premiership TeetersThe article discusses the potential for Andy Burnham to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister this summer, suggesting that Starmer's premiership is struggling.
Bias read (Right): The headline uses 'disastrous' to describe Starmer's week and implies Burnham is poised to take power, which suggests a critical view of Starmer's leadership and a positive framing of Burnham's position. This framing leans toward the right by implying a swift change in leadership due to perceived un
The NationIndependentCenter8 days agoThe article discusses potential challenges to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership within the Labour Party, mentioning Stanley Reed and Andy Burnham as possible contenders.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual statement without overtly biased language or framing. It mentions a potential leadership challenge but does not take a stance or provide context that would indicate a clear ideological lean.
The New York Times (World)Independent🔒Center12 days ago Why a U.K. By-Election in Makerfield Could Topple Prime Minister Keir StarmerAndy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, is running for a parliamentary seat in a by-election in Makerfield. This move is part of an effort to challenge his Labour Party colleague, Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or emphasis. It reports on Andy Burnham's candidacy and its potential impact on Prime Minister Keir Starmer without taking a stance or using loaded terms.
PoliticoParty-alignedCenter13 days agoThe article discusses the significance of the Makerfield parliamentary by-election in northern England, highlighting its potential to influence the UK's political landscape. It notes that while by-elections typically have limited impact, Makerfield stands out due to the current political climate under Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government, which is struggling with low popularity and internal dissent.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced overview of the situation without overtly favoring any political side. It describes the context of the by-election, the challenges faced by the Labour government, and the rise of the Reform Party, presenting these elements neutrally without biased language or emphasis
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