Andy Burnham wins huge majority in Makerfield byelection, paving way for Starmer leadership challenge

Andy Burnham secured a decisive victory in the Makerfield byelection on June 18, 2026, achieving a substantial majority that positions him as a potential challenger to Keir Starmer's leadership of the Labour Party. Burnham, the current Mayor of Greater Manchester, defeated Robert Kenyon of Reform UK by a margin of 9,231 votes. The newly formed hardline party, Restore Britain, finished in a distant third place. Burnham stated that the outcome represents Labour's "final chance to change," signaling his intent to leverage this electoral success. This byelection result is being interpreted as a significant moment in UK politics, potentially reshaping the future direction of the Labour Party.