Story perspectives

Burnham Runs Makerfield, Rayner Cleared of Tax Wrongdoing

5/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Andy Burnham will contest the Makerfield by-election after MP Josh Simons resigns, opening a route back to Parliament.
Reform UK will throw “absolutely everything” at the Makerfield by-election, fearing a split vote could further hurt Labour.
Labour’s NEC is urged not to change leadership-contest rules for any candidate despite Burnham supporters seeking a longer timetable.
Angela Rayner was cleared of deliberate tax wrongdoing, removing a barrier to a leadership bid.

History

Historical Context

After John Smith’s death, the Labour Party held a leadership vote on 21 July 1994; Tony Blair won with 57.0% of the electoral college, defeating Margaret Beckett and John Prescott, who became deputy leader. The win followed declining Conservative poll numbers after the 1992 Black Wednesday crisis and set the stage for New Labour’s 1997 landslide.

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Story summary

Andy Burnham will contest the Makerfield by-election after MP Josh Simons resigns, opening a route back to Parliament.
Reform UK will throw “absolutely everything” at the Makerfield by-election, fearing a split vote could further hurt Labour.
Labour’s NEC is urged not to change leadership-contest rules for any candidate despite Burnham supporters seeking a longer timetable.
Angela Rayner was cleared of deliberate tax wrongdoing, removing a barrier to a leadership bid.

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