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Polls open in Makerfield by-election
Andy Burnham is the clear favourite, with 14 candidates on the ballot and Labour warning a Reform win could trigger leadership turmoil.
- On Thursday, voters in Makerfield cast ballots in a high-profile by-election, with polls closing at 10pm. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, the Labour candidate, seeks a return to Parliament to potentially challenge British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
- Labour MP Josh Simons resigned on May 14, creating a vacancy for Burnham to contest the seat. Simons stepped down to provide a pathway for the Greater Manchester mayor, who left Westminster in 2017.
- Fourteen candidates are contesting the seat, including Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon. Political analysis suggests Restore Britain candidate Rebecca Shepherd's entry is fracturing the right-wing vote, potentially aiding Burnham's path to victory.
- Burnham's victory would intensify pressure on Starmer, who has vowed to fight any leadership challenge. Labour rules require backing from 81 lawmakers to trigger a formal contest.
- With results expected early Friday, the outcome is poised to shape British political stability for years. The by-election serves as a national bellwether, as observers monitor whether the result accelerates a potential leadership crisis.
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What does Burnham’s potential by-election win mean for the UK?
Voters are heading to the polls in Makerfield to choose their next MP, with popular Labour politician Andy Burnham predicted to win. This expected victory could cause trouble for the UK's current prime minister, Keir Starmer, with Burnham expected to challenge him for the leadership of the Labour party and the country. Latest figures from Opinium predict that Burnham will receive almost half of the votes (46 percent), with the right-wing Reform …
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources86
Leaning Left15Leaning Right13Center27Last UpdatedBias Distribution49% Center
Bias Distribution
- 49% of the sources are Center
49% Center
L 27%
C 49%
R 24%
Factuality
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