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Simons Resigns, Paving Way for Burnham’s Makerfield Run

5/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Josh Simons resigned to clear the way for Andy Burnham’s Makerfield by-election bid.
Sir Keir Starmer said he will not set a resignation timetable and warned a leadership contest could cause chaos.
Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds will move the writ on May 19, setting the June 18 poll for the Greater Manchester seat.
The by-election will cost taxpayers £226,208, rising to £4,719,754 if a snap poll for Burnham’s successor is held.

History

Historical Context

After Labour’s defeat in the 1992 general election, leader Neil Kinnock resigned and the party elected John Smith on 18 July 1992, winning 91% of the electoral college. That contest, the last using the union block-vote system, demonstrated how internal leadership battles can be financially demanding, a pattern echoed in today’s Makerfield by-election projected to cost £4.7 million.

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Story summary

Josh Simons resigned to clear the way for Andy Burnham’s Makerfield by-election bid.
Sir Keir Starmer said he will not set a resignation timetable and warned a leadership contest could cause chaos.
Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds will move the writ on May 19, setting the June 18 poll for the Greater Manchester seat.
The by-election will cost taxpayers £226,208, rising to £4,719,754 if a snap poll for Burnham’s successor is held.

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