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Makerfield By-Election Pits Burnham vs Kenyon, Tests Starmer

6/12/2026

37 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Makerfield by-election on 18 June 2026 has drawn unprecedented international media attention.
Labour’s Andy Burnham and Reform UK’s Rob Kenyon will run, making the race a test for Prime Minister Keir Starmer after local-election setbacks.
Immigration concerns dominate voter discussion, with residents blaming Labour policies for pressure on housing and services.
Reform UK captured 24 of 25 council seats in the area in the latest local elections.

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Story summary

The Makerfield by-election on 18 June 2026 has drawn unprecedented international media attention.
Labour’s Andy Burnham and Reform UK’s Rob Kenyon will run, making the race a test for Prime Minister Keir Starmer after local-election setbacks.
Immigration concerns dominate voter discussion, with residents blaming Labour policies for pressure on housing and services.
Reform UK captured 24 of 25 council seats in the area in the latest local elections.