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Story summary
- Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election for Labour, a decisive victory after Reform UK had held every seat.
- The win is credited to a platform of utility ownership, land-value tax and electoral reform, setting Labour apart from Reform UK’s populism.
- Burnham campaigned on energy, water and transport costs, blaming deindustrialisation, privatisation and austerity for hardships.
- Analysts warn Labour must adopt the substantive politics of “Brand Burnham” to avoid voter alienation.
