Andy Burnham's Focus on Makerfield By-Election
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has made it clear that his immediate priority is to return to Parliament rather than immediately seeking to replace Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. He has been cleared to run for selection as Labour's candidate in the upcoming Makerfield by-election. This development comes after Josh Simons, the current MP for Makerfield, announced his resignation from his role in the Greater Manchester constituency, creating an opportunity for Burnham.
If successful, Burnham is expected to challenge Keir Starmer for the Labour Party leadership. Over 90 Labour MPs have called for Starmer's resignation following poor local election results. However, when asked by Channel 4 News how soon he would run for the leadership if he won the by-election, Burnham responded: "It's just not the issue. The issue is winning a by-election with what I'm saying. It's not about, you know, necessarily the next thing."
Burnham, who was born in Aintree, highlighted his long-standing commitment to fighting for people in this part of the world. He mentioned his efforts in securing compensation for miners during his time as MP for Leigh and his advocacy for justice for the Hillsborough families. He also spoke about his opposition to Boris Johnson's treatment of people in Makerfield during the pandemic.
A Career of Advocacy and Public Service
Burnham emphasized that his career has been dedicated to fighting for the working-class people in his community. He stressed the importance of connecting with the area, noting that he lives on the edge of the constituency and his children attended school nearby. "I know people here, I know how they think, how they feel," he said. "I want to do whatever I can to make Labour a party that they can believe in again."
He pointed out the impact of deindustrialisation and privatisation on areas like Makerfield, which have left many without good jobs and struggling to afford basic necessities. Burnham proposed a different path, advocating for stronger public control over essential services such as energy, housing, water, and transport. He cited his success in bringing buses under public control in Greater Manchester as a model for other sectors.
A Call for Change in Labour
Burnham told the BBC that he wants to run in the Makerfield by-election to "save" Labour. He acknowledged that the party has not been good enough and needs significant change. "We’ve got to see this as a moment to reclaim the Labour Party, to save it from where it’s been. We can’t just carry on as we are," he said.
Elsewhere in his media appearances, Burnham stated that Britain has been on the "wrong path" for 40 years, leading to financial struggles for many. He noted that people cannot afford life's basics, including a few pints at the weekend or a holiday.
Other Leadership Contenders
Wes Streeting, who recently resigned as health secretary, called for a "proper contest" to replace Starmer and confirmed he would stand if the race is triggered. At the Progress think tank's conference in London, Streeting outlined a policy platform for a potential leadership bid. He suggested a "new special relationship" with the European Union and hinted at the possibility of rejoining the trade bloc in the future.
Streeting also mentioned that he has enough support among MPs to trigger a contest but believes it would lack legitimacy without Burnham being given a chance to return to Parliament.
Upcoming Events and Challenges
Applications for Labour's Makerfield candidacy close on Monday, with the NEC set to endorse a candidate on Thursday. The earliest date for a by-election is thought to be June 18. If elected, Burnham is widely expected to challenge Sir Keir for the party leadership. Although Makerfield is typically a safe seat for Labour, the party faces a strong challenge from Reform UK this time around.
Simons secured a narrow majority over Nigel Farage's party in the 2024 general election. However, Labour's polling collapse and Reform's surge have reversed their positions. Burnham could benefit from his strong personal following across the North West, where he enjoys a net favorability rating of 24% according to Ipsos.
Candidate selection processes are already underway for Reform UK and the Greens. Meanwhile, a Labour leadership contest is not yet taking place, as the internal party process required to trigger one has not been initiated.
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