The Makerfield by-election has been officially triggered, with the vote scheduled for Thursday, 18 June. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, is standing as Labour’s candidate in what is widely seen as a potential springboard for a return to Westminster and a possible challenge to Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Burnham’s Path to Parliament
Burnham, a former cabinet minister under Gordon Brown, has been a prominent figure in local government since becoming mayor in 2017. However, his ambitions are believed to extend beyond the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. Securing the Makerfield seat would give him a platform to launch a formal bid for the Labour leadership, should he choose to do so. The by-election was triggered after the incumbent Labour MP resigned, though the exact circumstances remain under discussion.
Starmer Under Pressure
Keir Starmer’s position as Labour leader is increasingly precarious. Dire local election results, coupled with calls for his resignation from a growing number of Labour MPs and a series of government resignations, have left his political future in doubt. The loss of key figures and poor performance at the polls have intensified internal party unrest, with many believing a leadership contest is imminent.
Wes Streeting, who resigned as health secretary, has been particularly vocal. He warned that Labour is losing the fight against nationalism and risks handing power to Reform UK unless it changes course. Streeting, who intends to stand in any future leadership contest, stressed the importance of Labour fighting for young people and addressing future challenges like the so-called ‘AI jobs apocalypse’.
Implications for Labour
The Makerfield by-election is not just a local contest; it is a litmus test for Labour’s direction. If Burnham wins, he will be well-positioned to challenge Starmer. If he loses, it could further destabilise the party. The result will be closely watched by political commentators and party members alike, as Labour grapples with its identity and electoral strategy.
Streeting’s comments highlight a broader concern within the party: that Labour is failing to connect with voters on key issues such as nationalism, economic security, and technological change. The by-election outcome may determine whether the party shifts its approach or continues on its current trajectory.
