Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has returned to Parliament after winning the Makerfield by-election, a result widely seen as strengthening his position as a potential challenger to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
According to CNN, Burnham secured 55% of the vote, comfortably ahead of Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon, who won 35%. The by-election was triggered after Labour MP Josh Simons stepped aside to allow Burnham to contest the seat and regain eligibility to seek the Labour leadership.
The report said Burnham now enters Westminster at a difficult moment for Labour. Despite winning a landslide national election in 2024, the party has faced declining public support and setbacks in local elections, while Reform UK has gained momentum in several regions.
Starmer told the BBC he would contest any future leadership challenge. Burnham stopped short of formally announcing leadership ambitions but signaled that the country was entering a "change moment."
According to political analysts cited by CNN, Burnham's local focus and outsider image helped him win in a constituency facing economic pressures, cost-of-living concerns and rising immigration debates.
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer renews his vow to fight any challenge to his Labour party leadership, after his rival Andy Burnham carved a path to Downing Street by winning a key by-election. pic.twitter.com/nBt70i5Jqg
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