Story perspectives

Andy Burnham Projected to Win Makerfield By-election, Reform Spoiled

6/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Andy Burnham is projected to win the Makerfield by-election, defeating Reform candidate Robert Kenyon.
Rebecca Shepherd of Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain party is polling around 7 percent, which makes the seat unwinnable for Reform.
Nigel Farage’s supporters conceded the race two days before polling, citing the spoiler effect of Lowe’s party.
Nationally, Restore Britain’s support has fallen below 15 percent after never reaching the high-twenties in opinion polls.

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Story summary

Andy Burnham is projected to win the Makerfield by-election, defeating Reform candidate Robert Kenyon.
Rebecca Shepherd of Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain party is polling around 7 percent, which makes the seat unwinnable for Reform.
Nigel Farage’s supporters conceded the race two days before polling, citing the spoiler effect of Lowe’s party.
Nationally, Restore Britain’s support has fallen below 15 percent after never reaching the high-twenties in opinion polls.