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Makerfield split: Kenyon wins Hindley, Burnham draws health support

6/5/2026

25 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Interviews show a split: some back Reform candidate Rob Kenyon, others shift to Labour leader Andy Burnham.
Kenyon, the Reform candidate in the Makerfield by-election, faces criticism for past comments on women.
A Reform spokesperson says the remarks predate his career and his style is straight-talking.
Local voters Leah, Leslie Yates and Pauline Round back Burnham for health record, while Reform won Hindley with 52 %.

History

Historical Context

The 1 May 1997 general election saw Labour under Tony Blair replace 18 years of Conservative rule, winning 418 seats (a 179-seat gain) and 43 % of the vote after rebranding as New Labour. That realignment, driven by voter fatigue with John Major’s government, now echoes in the Makerfield by-election where Labour’s Andy Burnham seeks to attract former Conservative voters.

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Story summary

Interviews show a split: some back Reform candidate Rob Kenyon, others shift to Labour leader Andy Burnham.
Kenyon, the Reform candidate in the Makerfield by-election, faces criticism for past comments on women.
A Reform spokesperson says the remarks predate his career and his style is straight-talking.
Local voters Leah, Leslie Yates and Pauline Round back Burnham for health record, while Reform won Hindley with 52 %.

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