Andy Burnham has declared that support for him in the upcoming by-election would be a "vote to change Labour" as he officially launched his campaign to return to Westminster and potentially challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the leadership. The Greater Manchester mayor, who is contesting the Makerfield seat, stated that Labour "need to be better than we have been" and promised to give voters "the party back they used to know."
Campaign Launch and Leadership Speculation
Speaking at his launch event in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Mr Burnham emphasised that this is a "change by-election" and that British politics is "tired" and "needs a new script." He said the people of Makerfield will have the opportunity to write that script over the next four weeks. While allies have suggested he may not immediately launch a bid for the party leadership if successful on June 18, he is widely viewed as Sir Keir's main rival for the top job.
Under Sir Keir's leadership, Labour suffered a devastating series of setbacks in elections across England, Wales, and Scotland earlier this month, triggering widespread speculation about the Prime Minister's position. In an apparent criticism of Sir Keir, Mr Burnham said: "I know my own party needs to change. We need to be better than we have been. A vote for me in this by-election is a vote to change Labour."
Policy Proposals and Electoral Reform
Mr Burnham, a supporter of electoral reform, expressed his desire to see Labour's next manifesto commit to introducing proportional representation. However, he ruled out changing the system before the next election, stating that manifestos must be honoured. He also called for more radical policies within Labour's 2024 manifesto, including building more council houses, rail renationalisation, and reform of council tax, which he described as a "highly regressive tax" based on outdated 1991 valuations.
Additionally, he suggested backing a "social care levy" and did not rule out abolishing inheritance tax in favour of such a charge. He argued that the current system is unfair and that a care levy would provide peace of mind for people while they are alive, ensuring they receive the care they need.
Support and Opposition
Mr Burnham's campaign launch was attended by several Labour backbenchers, his close friend Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, and the party's chief whip, Jonathan Reynolds. Pollsters indicate that Mr Burnham's candidacy significantly boosts Labour's chances of retaining the seat, but the contest against Nigel Farage's Reform UK remains tough. The previous Labour MP, Josh Simons, who stood down to make way for Mr Burnham, won the seat in 2024 by just 5,399 votes, while Reform comfortably won every ward in the constituency at the recent local elections.
The Liberal Democrats have unveiled Stockport councillor Jake Austin as their candidate, who stated that the people of Makerfield "deserve so much more than the failing Labour Government or the divisive politics of Reform UK." Meanwhile, the Green Party's candidate, Chris Kennedy, withdrew from the race hours after being selected due to "personal and family reasons," though it later emerged that he had shared controversial social media posts. Reform's Robert Kenyon, a plumber, posted a video with Mr Farage, saying: "For me, Makerfield isn't a stepping stone, it's my home. The people here are my neighbours, friends and family."
