John Oliver Introduces the Small Election that Could Change the Future of British Politics

Andy Burnham, ‘King of the North’ eyeing UK premiership

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said that if elected, he would join any leadership challenge aimed at ousting Keir Starmer. (EPA Images pic) LONDON: Labour mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has emerged in the past decade as one of Britain’s most recognisable regional leaders, and a persistent thorn in Westminster’s side. Now all eyes are on him as a potential usurper of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with a historic by-election loomin…

John Oliver introduces the small election that could change the future of British politics

The last four years have seen the Brits swap out their prime ministers with a frequency that would probably leave most Americans envious. Boris Johnson gave way to Liz Truss, who led to Rishi Sunak, who led to Labour’s Kier Starmer, who has quickly lost popularity after assuming the office in July 2024. As John Oliver explains on last night’s Last Week Tonight, this Thursday will see a by-election in the small area of Makerfield, about halfway b…

Could Makerfield be one of the most important by-elections in British political history?

On Thursday the 18th of June, the people of just one parliamentary constituency may shape the future for all Britons. To provide some context for this extraordinary occasion, Josh Simons recently resigned as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Makerfield. This triggered Thursday’s by-election in Manchester in the North West of England. Why this by-election is taking place right now Simons did this to enable Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to…

The Makerfield By-Election: A Preview

Steady your nerves, election nerds, because it’s by-election time in the U.K. and it’s going to be a big one. Background As I established in my previous article on the local elections in the U.K, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is not very popular with large swathes of the electorate. That’s not to say he doesn’t have his supporters, but some of his allies believe he’s not going to help the party’s dwindling popularity. Unfortunately for Labour,…