The eyes of the nation were on the now former mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, moments after his victory in the Makerfield by-election on June 19. Shortly after being declared the winner, Burnham unexpectedly left the stage, causing a confused interlude.
Victory and Stage Exit
In the highly anticipated vote, Burnham was tipped to be in a close race against Reform UK's Rob Kenyon but ultimately soared to victory with almost 10,000 more votes. Burnham received a total of 24,927, while Kenyon received 15,696.
As Burnham approached the microphone to give his victory speech, he appeared to realize he had forgotten his printed speech. He could be seen patting his jacket pockets before suddenly turning on his heel to leave the stage.
Protest Speeches
Two fellow independent candidates took the opportunity to issue impromptu protest speeches to the media scrum gathered in front of them. These were John Dyer, who ran a campaign on 'nuclear crimes', and Rob Pownall, who appeared throughout his campaign dressed as a fox.
Holding up a poster that read 'Protect British Wildlife', Pownall said: “This Labour government has done nothing for animals. Name one thing Labour has done in the benefit of wildlife. It’s disgusting. We’re calling on this government, we’re calling on Andy Burnham, if he becomes prime minister, to do something about it.” He then stormed off the stage.
Return and Address
The returning officer Alison McKenzie-Folan brought order to proceedings, stating the candidates had agreed prior to the announcement that only one person—the winner of the election—should hold an address.
Burnham returning to the stage—with his speech—said: “It is with some sadness that this result brings an end to my wonderful nine years as mayor of Greater Manchester. This city region has given so much to me. And it is a wrench to leave the job I love. But I'm not leaving the service of Greater Manchester. I've always been clear that it can't achieve everything it should be. And we can't close the North South divide, and we can't make all the great English cities be what they should be, without big change at the national level. I always knew one day, I would seek to go back to Westminster, to complete that unfinished business. So that Makerfield, and Greater Manchester, and the north of England can fulfil their potential.”
