Andy Burnham wins Makerfield by-election to set up challenge to Keir Starmer

Labour party candidate Andy Burnham at the Edge Wigan for the Makerfield by-election which was triggered by the resignation of Josh Simons. Picture date: Friday June 19, 2026. - (PA Wire)

Andy Burnham has secured his return to the House of Commons as his allies called on Sir Keir Starmer to hand over power.

The Greater Manchester mayor won the Makerfield by-election by 9,231 votes, seeing off the challenge from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.