The race to replace former Makerfield MP Josh Simons has entered its final hours, with candidates making their last pitches in a contest that could determine who becomes the next prime minister. Labour candidate and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is expected to challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership if he returns to Westminster after Thursday's poll. His closest rival, Reform UK's Robert Kenyon, a plumber and local councillor, finished second in the constituency at the 2024 general election.
The few opinion polls conducted so far suggest Burnham is leading, but the contest is expected to be tight. Reform won all seats in the area in recent local elections, and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has been knocking on doors in support of Kenyon as the four-week campaign reaches its climax. Kenyon has emphasised his working-class background and local roots, but has faced criticism over past social media posts, including his position on Brexit, abortion and Ukraine. When challenged, he told the BBC's Chris Mason he was not a "career politician" and people would "feel listened to" if he became the MP.
“Andy Burnham seeks to return to Westminster in a by-election that could trigger a challenge to Sir Keir Starmer.”
Burnham, who grew up in the constituency, has played up his local credentials but faced claims from opponents that he is using the by-election as a stepping stone to Number 10. He has vowed to make Westminster "work" for Makerfield and communities like it, which he says have been overlooked for too long. He is due to address supporters at an eve of poll rally later.
Starmer, meanwhile, has warned Burnham that a leadership contest would be a "bad" thing for the country and that he would fight any challenge. But he also indicated he would offer Burnham a cabinet job if he wins, telling reporters: "I hope he wins the by-election and he'll play a big part in the Labour government."
Other candidates include Restore Britain's Rebecca Shepherd, a local businesswoman whose party — founded by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe — is fighting its first by-election. She has promised to "put Makerfield first" and fight for the party's national priorities of "reversing mass immigration" and "rewarding British workers". Conservative candidate Michael Winstanley, a former mayor of Wigan, is pledging to regenerate high streets and reduce road congestion, while Lib Dem Jake Austin, a councillor in nearby Stockport, is emphasising local issues.
With the by-election triggered by Simons's resignation to pave the way for Burnham, the result will be watched closely as a bellwether for national politics — and the future of the Labour leadership.