Polls open in Makerfield by-election
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham aims to return to Parliament in a high-stakes by-election seen as a potential challenge to Labour leader Keir Starmer.
- Voting in the Makerfield by-election concluded at 10pm on Thursday, June 18, 2026, with election officials beginning the count shortly thereafter; results are expected in the early hours of Friday, June 19.
- Labour MP Josh Simons stepped down in May to allow Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to stand, with Burnham aiming to return to Parliament and potentially challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership.
- The contest is widely viewed as a close race between Labour and Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon, with recent polling showing Burnham at 46% and Kenyon at 41% in a tight battle.
- Reform UK remains concerned about losing voters to Restore Britain, led by Rupert Lowe, while Kenyon's campaign faced scrutiny following reports of controversial online posts about women.
- Although Makerfield has historically been a Labour 'safe seat,' recent election results indicate a challenging environment for the party, and Burnham's potential return could trigger a leadership challenge against Starmer.
117 Articles
117 Articles
The name of the electoral constituency of Makerfield, in the north of England, has already gained a hole in the political history of the United Kingdom. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has achieved a sweeping victory in those elections, with 54′8% of the votes, and opens the way for battle to replace Keir Starmer at the head of the Labour Party and as prime minister.
Polls close in crunch Makerfield by-election - as leadership challenge looms
Polls have closed in the crunch Makerfield by-election, and candidates are now anxiously awaiting the results. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, is hoping to win for Labour and head back to Parliament – most likely in order to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the leadership. But the right of politics have put up a fight, with Reform UK and Restore Britain battling to secure a share of the vote. This could potentially work in Burnham’s…
Glasgow Times
Votes being counted in Makerfield contest which could pave way for Burnham PM bid
If Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield seat for Labour he is expected to use his return to the Commons to launch an effort to oust Sir Keir Starmer.
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