Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election, beating Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon by more than 9,000 votes in a contest that clears the way for him to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. The result, declared early on Friday, gives Burnham a seat in parliament from which he can now directly trigger a contest. In his victory speech, the former government minister told his party it was facing its “final chance to change.”
Minutes after the result, Wes Streeting, the former health secretary who resigned last month accusing Starmer of drift, made clear he was ready to act. Speaking to BBC Newsnight, Streeting said the “uncertainty and paralysis” in the leadership must be resolved now that Burnham is an MP. “I think the prime minister should be given some space and time to reflect over the weekend,” he said. “I would prefer the PM to take a decision on his own terms rather than leave it for me or Andy or anyone else to trigger a contest. If not, we can’t carry on with this uncertainty and paralysis and there will need to be a contest and I would be prepared to do that.” Streeting claimed he already has the backing of the 81 Labour MPs needed to launch a challenge.
“Andy Burnham wins Makerfield by-election, enabling him to challenge Keir Starmer for Labour leadership as Streeting threatens contest.”
The by-election saw turnout surge to 58.75%, up sharply from 52.5% at the 2024 general election, bucking the usual trend for by-elections. Burnham, who quit Westminster nine years ago to become mayor of Greater Manchester, has pitched himself to the left of Starmer, though his policy platform remains vague. His win also delivered a setback to Reform UK, which tops national polls but saw its candidate beaten decisively. A fresh by-election will now be held to replace Burnham as mayor.
Starmer, who has struggled in the polls since his 2024 landslide, reiterated at the G7 summit his intention “not to walk away” but to “carry on with what I was elected to do.” But his cabinet is being watched for signs of movement against him. The Defence Secretary, John Healey, and Armed Forces minister Al Carns have both resigned over the defence investment plan, while key Burnham ally Louise Haigh said Friday morning she hopes Starmer will opt for an “orderly” transition from office. Whether that transition comes next week or later may depend on how much space the prime minister is given to reflect.