Full Breakdown
Makerfield By-Election: Andy Burnham’s Bid and the Quest for Labour Leadership
6/5/2026, 5:16:42 AM
Background & Context
The Makerfield parliamentary by-election, set for 18 June, was called after Labour MP Josh Simons resigned—a move he said was intended to allow Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham to run. Burnham has signalled that a win would let him seek entry into any forthcoming Labour leadership contest, which requires the backing of at least 81 Labour MPs. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has resisted calls from some Labour backbenchers to step down after recent local-election setbacks, and a Downing Street spokesperson affirmed that he will not abandon the mandate given two years ago.
Key Figures & Stakes
- Andy Burnham – Greater Manchester mayor, Labour candidate, pledges to pursue a leadership bid if elected.
- Robert Kenyon – Reform UK candidate, plumber and local councillor, campaigns on “getting normal people in politics.”
- Michael Winstanley – Conservative candidate, condemns Burnham’s return to Westminster.
- Sarah Wakefield – Green Party candidate, stresses climate action and community investment.
- Jake Austin – Liberal Democrat candidate, warns against a “back-door” route to the premiership.
- Wes Streeting – Labour MP who has announced he will stand in any leadership contest and has encouraged support for Burnham.
Core Event: Campaign Dynamics
During a BBC Question Time special in Makerfield, Burnham said he would “represent you at the highest possible level” and would join a leadership contest if Wes Streeting initiates one, noting that “you cannot control events in politics.” Reform UK’s Kenyon attacked Burnham’s mayoral record, arguing that while Manchester “thrives, we’re struggling to survive in Wigan.” Conservative Winstanley called Burnham’s candidacy “disgusting” and promised to “get rid of Keir Starmer” whichever candidate wins. Green and Liberal Democrat candidates used the platform to raise policy concerns ranging from climate action to the propriety of a “back-door” prime-ministerial route.
Data & Statistics
- By-election date: 18 June.
- Leadership-challenge threshold: support of 81 Labour MPs.
- Recent council elections in Makerfield saw Labour lose seats to Reform UK.
- Murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak: perpetrator Vickrum Digwa sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 21 years.
Official Statements & Responses
The Downing Street spokesperson reiterated that the prime minister will “not walk away from the mandate … to build a stronger, fairer Britain.” Burnham, when asked about a potential ban on knives carried for religious reasons, said the issue “needs to be looked at, although it needs a very careful debate.” Winstanley warned that the by-election could accelerate a change in Labour leadership, while Kenyon defended his past remarks about women, stating he has “nothing but respect for women” and has “made mistakes” in earlier comments.
Criticism & Opposition
Kenyon accused Burnham of using Makerfield as a “stepping stone.” Winstanley expressed that he was “disgusted” and “sad that we’re having this by-election foisted upon us.” Kenyon also rejected accusations of sexism, insisting his past online statements do not reflect his current views. The debate touched on policing, with Kenyon describing the Henry Nowak case as evidence of a “two-tier policing system.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree that no formal leadership challenge to Starmer has been launched, yet there is ongoing pressure from some Labour MPs for his resignation. The exact number of Labour MPs publicly supporting a potential challenge remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “But if I get your support, I would seek to represent you at the highest possible level and give this constituency maximum power and influence.” — Andy Burnham, Labour candidate
- “We will get rid of Keir Starmer whichever politician is elected in this by-election and if you vote for me, it'll speed it up straightaway.” — Michael Winstanley, Conservative candidate
- “get normal people in politics, people who care about the place, people who live in the place and people who want to stay here and not use it as a stepping stone for other things” — Robert Kenyon, Reform UK candidate
- “serious conversations about who is contributing for a better future for our children, to solve the climate crisis, to get our high streets going, to make sure that we have the money back in towns and villages” — Sarah Wakefield, Green Party candidate
- “election for a potential future prime minister via the backdoor and that's not the right way to be doing politics” — Jake Austin, Liberal Democrat candidate
What’s Next
Voters in Makerfield will decide on 18 June whether Burnham secures a parliamentary seat and, if so, whether he can marshal the 81-MP support needed to trigger a Labour leadership contest. The outcome will shape the immediate prospects for Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership and the broader trajectory of the Labour Party.
