Story perspectives

Fury Declines Lancashire Mayor Bid; Burnham Eyes Reform-Led Makerfield Race

5/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Tyson Fury rejected Reform UK's invitation to stand as its candidate for the directly elected Mayor of Lancashire.
Reform UK is selecting a candidate for the Makerfield by-election, with Labour expected to field Andy Burnham.
Reform won eight Makerfield wards with 50.4 % of the vote, ahead of Labour’s 22.7 % and the Greens’ 11 %.
Bookmakers give Labour a slightly higher chance of winning because Burnham’s popularity makes the race unusually competitive.

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Story summary

Tyson Fury rejected Reform UK's invitation to stand as its candidate for the directly elected Mayor of Lancashire.
Reform UK is selecting a candidate for the Makerfield by-election, with Labour expected to field Andy Burnham.
Reform won eight Makerfield wards with 50.4 % of the vote, ahead of Labour’s 22.7 % and the Greens’ 11 %.
Bookmakers give Labour a slightly higher chance of winning because Burnham’s popularity makes the race unusually competitive.