Andy Burnham is back in Westminster, setting the stage for a potential challenge to Sir Keir Starmer's leadership. Labour secured a decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election, with Burnham winning an even larger majority than his predecessor, Josh Simons.
By-Election Results
Burnham captured 54 percent of the vote, totaling 24,927 ballots cast for Labour. Reform UK's Robert Kenyon finished second with 15,696 votes, representing 34 percent of the total. Restore Britain's Rebecca Shepherd secured six percent with 3,111 votes. The Conservatives, Green Party, Liberal Democrats, and other candidates all lost their deposits.
What's Next for Burnham?
The victory means Burnham will step down as Greater Manchester's mayor, triggering a by-election for that role on July 30. However, this opens a new path for him. All eyes are now on the future of Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader and Prime Minister, with Burnham widely expected to mount a challenge.
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