Andy Burnham has returned to Parliament as the newly elected MP for Makerfield, securing a decisive victory in the by-election held on June 19, 2026. Burnham, representing the Labour Party, garnered 54.81% of the votes, significantly outpacing his main competitor, Reform UK’s Rob Kenyon, who received 34.51%. This result represents a remarkable 23-point swing in favor of Labour, especially considering that just over a month prior, Reform UK had claimed 51% of the vote in local elections. The by-election was notably characterized by a high turnout of 58.7%, with a total of 45,476 voters participating. The outcome positions Burnham as a potential candidate for leadership within the Labour Party, especially as calls for a change in leadership grow louder following the significant shift in voter sentiment.
Why It Matters
This victory is significant for Labour, reflecting a potential resurgence after recent local electoral setbacks. Burnham’s win could catalyze a leadership challenge against current Labour leader Keir Starmer, who has faced criticism following the party’s performance in previous elections. The immediate past results, where Reform UK had a strong showing, highlight the shifting political landscape in the region. Burnham’s ability to unify Labour voters and attract a larger electorate could signal a strategic pivot for the party ahead of future elections, as they seek to regain influence in a changing political environment.
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