‘I’m not a Labour fan but I like Burnham’: relief in Makerfield among left, right and centre

Andy Burnham secured a landslide victory in the Makerfield byelection on June 19, 2026, marking his return to Westminster after a nine-year tenure as Manchester mayor. His win transcended traditional party lines, appearing to be the result of a broad coalition of voters from the left, centre, and even the right. This broad support suggests a significant shift in voter sentiment within the constituency, with many individuals, even those not typically aligned with the Labour party, expressing admiration for Burnham. The outcome contrasts sharply with the performance of the Reform party, which was trounced at the ballot box, indicating a rejection of their platform by the Makerfield electorate. The presence of large placards bearing Burnham's face the morning after the election underscores the prominence of his campaign and the widespread recognition of his victory.