Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election paving the way for him to launch a Labour leadership challenge.
The Greater Manchester mayor took the seat by 9,231 votes, seeing off Nigel Farage’s Reform UK who came in second.
Mr Burnham’s victory sets up a potential leadership contest unless Sir Keir Starmer agrees to step down as Prime Minister.
In his victory speech he said his party had a “final chance to change” and “we must act upon it”.
Later at a victory rally he said: “It is our last chance to change, but we’re going to take it, aren’t we? We are going to take that opportunity and we are going to lay out a new path for Britain.”
Sir Keir has insisted he will fight any attempt to oust him and has been building up a war chest for a leadership campaign.
But Mr Burnham’s supporters urged the Prime Minister to set out an “orderly and managed transition” of power.
Follow the latest updates below.
Reform still ahead in national polls
15:09 , Tom Place
According to national polls, Reform UK are still the most popular party in the country, despite Andy Burnham winning for Labour in Makerfield.
In polls conducted in the two weeks up to 18 June, Reform has an average of around 27%, compared to around 19% for each of Labour and the Conservatives.
The Greens and the Liberal Democrats are on an average of 13% and 12% respectively.
Davey: 'Reform can be beaten'
14:37 , tom place
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the Makerfield by-election showed that “Reform can be beaten”.
Sir Ed said: “Yesterday’s result shows that Reform can be beaten, just as the Liberal Democrats have done in local elections across the country.
“But while Labour fight over the keys to No 10, people are struggling.
“We need real change, not more chaos, starting with a new deal with Europe.”
Streeting ally hints that he has support to fire gun in leadership race.
14:05 , Niva Yadav
One of Wes Streeting’s closest allies has hinted that the former health secretary has what he needs to fire the starting gun in a leadership race.
In an interview on Politics Live, Labour MP Melanie Ward said that all of Labour’s leading figures, including Andy Burnham, need to discuss an orderly transition of power in the coming days.
She said: "In the life of any captain of a team … there comes a time when the captain has to hand over the armband - a time when the captain has lost the dressing room."
Ward also said Mr Streeting is "prepared to speak to the other key players and work out a different way through this".
Could Starmer's days be numbered?
13:30 , Niva Yadav
Andy Burnham has made no secret of his leadership ambitions and his return to Westminster means a battle is brewing, especially after Sir Keir insisted he would fight off any challenge to his premiership.
But what could happen next?
Andy Burnham could trigger a leadership contest, as could any other Labour MP, provided they have the backing of at least 81 Labour MPs.
As the current leader, Sir Keir would automatically be entered in the contest, though even if that were not the case, the Prime Minister has made clear he is not going down without a fight.
Other contenders include former health secretary Wes Streeting and former Royal Marines officer Al Carns. If Burnham doesn’t trigger a leadership race, Streeting has mooted that he has the support to fire the starting gun.
Josh Simons at Andy Burnham's first speech as MP
13:21 , Niva Yadav
Also present at Andy Burnham’s first speech as elected MP in Makerfield was none other than the man who made it all happen - Josh Simons.
Josh Simons resigned as MP in order to trigger the by-election that has led to the return of Andy Burnham to Westminster.
Starmer insists on standing in leadership race after Burnham win
13:12 , Niva Yadav
Sir Keir Starmer has insisted that he will stand in a Labour leadership contest.
He said he would not “walk away” from Downing Street, setting Labour up for a showdown in the coming weeks.
“If there is a contest, then yes, I will stand,” he told reporters on Friday.
That depends, of course, on Burnham triggering the contest, though it has been speculated that the Mayor of Manchester will officially launch his challenge within weeks, possibly even days.
Starmer wants to 'take the fight' to Reform
12:56 , Tom Place
Sir Keir Starmer has told Labour staffers across the country that the party needs to “pull together” and “take the fight” to Reform UK.
In a call today, the Prime Minister said: “The tide is turning on Reform. If you look at the national polling, Reform are now only six or seven points ahead of Labour in the national polls, which two years into a five year parliament is a place that we can make huge advances from.
“The next opportunity is the Greater Manchester Mayoralty, which now will follow as a result of the Makerfield by-election. It’s a chance to go and take the fight to Reform.
“It’s really important, it’s a huge by-election, one of the biggest by-elections we’ll ever run. It is really important that we maintain that Labour mayoralty, and that we take Reform on.
“This is the fight in politics at the moment. We should relish the opportunity to take the fight to Reform and give them a hiding in Manchester, and frankly, expose them for who they are: divisive, inward, wanting to divide our country, the complete opposite values to us.
“Let’s pull together as a party and a movement. The one thing we’ve got to avoid doing is plunging our party and our country into chaos by turning on each other and tearing apart our party and our movement. That has never worked. That’s what the last government did. We need to learn that lesson.”
Backbencher calls for Starmer to step down
12:42 , Tom Place
A Labour backbencher has called on Sir Keir Starmer to set out his timetable to exit Downing Street following Andy Burnham’s victory in Makerfield.
MP for Normanton and Hemsworth Jon Trickett said: “The north’s voice has been heard.
“Andy Burnham’s win in Makerfield is a victory for the Labour movement as a whole which fought a properly organised campaign to defeat the toxic anti-working class politics of the far right.
“In the wake of the by election, it’s clear that Farage and his hard-right acolytes can be defeated.
“However, there can be no more messing about.
“Keir Starmer has to immediately state a timetable for his departure as leader, as he is an obstacle to defeating Farage at the next general election.”
Business chief warns against 'summer of drift'
12:21 , Tom Place
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has warned the Government against a “summer of speculation and drift” ahead of an expected leadership challenge.
Rain Newton-Smith, chief executive of the influential business group, said: “The UK cannot afford a summer of speculation and drift while politicians are distracted by internal party dynamics.
“The Government must remain focused on delivery and implementation.
“For strong, stable economic growth you need strong, stable, consistent government.
“Political uncertainty dampens business confidence and investment, impacting job creation, wages and the cost of living.
“Business needs to know that the Government can take big decisions, will deliver on its commitments and is prepared to tackle the rising costs of doing business.”
Manchester mayoral election date confirmed
12:09 , Tom Place
The election for the new mayor of Greater Manchester will take place on 30 July, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority has confirmed.
The contest was triggered automatically following Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election.
'No vacancy' at Number 10
11:59 , Tom Place
Downing Street has refused to be drawn on whether any ministerial resignations should be expected on Friday.
Asked whether there was a vacancy for the Prime Minister’s job, his official spokesman said: “No, I think the Prime Minister’s been very clear this morning.”
Asked whether any ministerial resignations should be expected on Friday, the official said: “The Prime Minister is very much getting on with the business of delivering his Government’s agenda, the agenda that stabilised the economy, that’s invested in public services and brought down waiting lists.”
Sir Keir has been “crystal clear for some time now” that he intends to fight any challenge to his leadership, No 10 said.
Kemi Badenoch: Labour 'obsessed with internal party 'drama'
11:53 , Rachael Burford
Labour is “obsessed” with internal party “drama”, Kemi Badenoch says as she urges the UK Government to instead focus on issues such as energy and security.
The Conservative leader calls for the Labour Government to back new drilling in the North Sea – including the controversial Jackdaw and Rosebank developments to be given the go-ahead.
This, she argues, would boost the UK’s national security, insisting the country needs to “drill our own oil in the North Sea, not take oil from Russia”.
She makes the plea as she celebrated the Conservatives’ victory in the Aberdeen South by-election after the party dramatically won the seat from the SNP.
Speaking in Aberdeen on Friday with new MP Douglas Lumsden, Mrs Badenoch says: “What this means is that we have won that referendum on oil and gas.
“Aberdeen has sent a message to the Labour Government and to the SNP that we will not be ignored, Aberdeen will not be ignored, the centre will not be ignored.”
Andy Burnham lays foundation for leadership fight at Makerfield victory rally
11:11 , Rachael Burford
Andy Burnham has laid the foundations to launch a Labour leadership bid and oust Sir Keir Starmer from No 10.
During a victory rally speech he describes his victory in Makerfield as “the change moment”, after saying he and his team hoped to “lay out a new path for Britain”.
He tells the crowd at Ashton Town FC in the constituency: “It is our last chance to change, but we’re going to take it, aren’t we? We are going to take that opportunity and we are going to lay out a new path for Britain.”
Mr Burnham adds: “The word Makerfield in the future must be known as a byword for the change that came to British politics. This is the moment.
“We’ve been on a path for 40 years that simply hasn’t worked for people and places in this part of the world, and this now is the change moment.
“We have an opportunity to turn the tide, to make the country feel like it’s working again, to make people see that politics can make a positive difference, to make people feel hope again.”
He adds: “I think we need in this country right now for people to feel a sense of hope that there is something better to work towards on the horizon.”
Andy Burnham holds victory rally
10:47 , Rachael Burford
Andy Burnham is holding a victory rally in Makerfield.
'No point' pretending that Starmer can remain PM, says London MP
10:45 , Rachael Burford
Brent East MP Dawn Butler, chair of the group of London Labour MPs, says there is "no point" pretending that Sir Keir Starmer can remain Prime Minister following the Makerfield result.
She told Sky News: “There’s no point in pretending, right? We had a really devastating set of local elections and people have told us what they want and they want to see a Labour Government but they want to see a change of direction and that change of direction isn’t currently coming from our current Prime Minister.
“And we’ve got by-elections, a number of by-elections, and people are still saying the same thing. And we need to make that change for the country and we need to do it for the country.”
Hayes and Harlington MP John McDonnell has also suggested he would back Mr Burnham in any Labour leadership contest.
The former shadow chancellor says: "Makerfield was a tremendous victory because it stopped Reform in its tracks. The progressive Left united to defeat the divisive politics of the Right. The next step is to re-establish the broad church of the Labour Party."
Makerfield was a tremendous victory because it stopped Reform in its tracks. The progressive Left united to defeat the divisive politics of the Right. The next step is to re-establish the broad church of the Labour Party. https://t.co/PbqKihTXLe
— John McDonnell (@johnmcdonnellMP) June 19, 2026
Starmer: Leadership contest would 'plunge Britain into chaos'
10:30 , Rachael Burford
Sir Keir Starmer says a Labour leadership contest would “plunge us into chaos”.
The Prime Minister argues his party needs to now “pull together” for the by-election to replace Andy Burnham as Greater Manchester Mayor.
He tells reporters in London: “There isn’t a leadership contest at the moment, there isn’t one at the moment, but as I’ve said on many, many occasions, I don’t think that’s a good thing for the country, to plunge us into chaos.
“I would also add that now that Andy has won which is really important, really good, he’s a huge asset to us, that now there will inevitably be a Manchester mayoralty by-election starting straight away.
“It’s important that we pull together for that, but if there is a contest, just to be clear with you, then yes, I will run.”
Starmer vows to fight any leadership challenge
10:16 , Rachael Burford
Sir Keir Starmer vows he will fight any potential leadership challenge if a contest is triggered following Andy Burnham’s by-election victory.
Speaking to reporters at an event in north London, Sir Keir says: “If there is a contest, then yes, I will stand.
“I have said repeatedly, I am not going to walk away from that.”
Labour MP calls for Starmer to stand down 'gracefully'
09:49 , Rachael Burford
Sir Keir Starmer needs to "stand down in a dignified and graceful way", a Labour MP says this morning.
Jon Trickett, MP for Normanton and Hemsworth, claims it would be "humiliating for a sitting prime minister to lose the vote of his own party."
“I said for some time now that for one reason or another the prime minister our current prime minister can't hack it with the people especially in the north of England,” he tells Times Radio.
“I do think he needs to stand down in a dignified and graceful way.
“We should thank him for defeating the Conservatives in 2024 but he hasn't connected with the public I'm afraid and it's time for a change.”
Nigel Farage disappointed after a 'dramatic, emphatic' Andy Burnham win
08:43 , Rachael Burford
Nigel Farage says he is disappointed after Andy Burnham's “dramatic, emphatic” win in Makerfield.
The Reform UK leader adds that Restore Britain voters should “think again” and support his party if they wanted to challenge the Government.
In a video posted on X this morning, he says: “What really happened here was, it was vote Burnham, get Starmer out which, of course, was our campaign message leading up to the locals (elections) on May 7, so we were slightly hoisted with our own petard.
“As for the Reform vote share, well I thought we would get 18,000 votes… we got just shy of 16 (thousand), so I’m disappointed, no question about it.”
Addressing Restore Britain voters, whom he says a “couple of thousand” would usually have voted for Reform, he said: “What do you want?
“We are the challenge party to the left in this country and I would urge you to think again.”
My response to the Makerfield by-election result. pic.twitter.com/aESL0zbDKm
— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) June 19, 2026
Could Andy Burnham be Prime Minister within a week?
08:19 , Rachael Burford
Andy Burnham startled British politics by the scale of his win in the Makerfield by-election.
The now former Mayor of Greater Manchester gained 54.8% of the votes cast, outperforming opinion polls.
Reform’s Robert Kenyon trailed in second place with 34.5% of the vote.
As Mr Burnham appears to be heading to No10, one of the questions being asked is how quickly could he become Prime Minister?
Theoretically, he could be walking through the black door to Downing Street within days but this depends on a number of factors falling into place.
Here we explain the process Mr Burnham may have to follow if he is to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the keys to No 10.
Green Party will 'campaign hard' to win Manchester mayoralty
08:01 , Rachael Burford
The Green Party says it will be 'campaigning hard' to win the Manchester mayoralty to succeed Andy Burnham in the wake of his victory.
“We welcome the defeat of Reform’s divisive and misogynist campaign, and congratulations to Andy Burnham," says a Green Party spokesperson said:
“Our candidate Sarah Wakefield ran a brilliant campaign highlighting the positive change the Green Party brings to our communities and that we are an island of belonging, not strangers.
“Keir Starmer now needs to go as Prime Minister. But if Andy Burnham replaces him, we don’t really know what we are going to get.
“His U-turns on a range of issues from his pledge to stick to the failed fiscal rules, to his denial of genocide in Gaza, raises the real prospect he will turn out to be just more Keir Starmer with a northern accent. This should ring alarm bells for anyone crying out for real hope and change.
“The Greens will be campaigning hard to win the by-election for the Greater Manchester mayoralty and, as we showed in the Gorton and Denton by-election and local elections in the area, it is going to be a clear Greens vs Reform race in this election.”
'Trump-style far-right government not inevitable' in UK, says Labour Leftwingers
07:44 , Rachael Burford
Leftwing Labour MPs are trumpeting Andy Burnham's victory in Makerfield as a huge blow to Nigel Farage's Reform UK.
Leeds East MP Richard Burgon, on the hard Left of the Labour Party, stressed: "Andy Burnham beat Reform by over 20%.
"He beat the combined Reform and Restore vote by 14%.
"A Trump-style far-right government here after the next election is not inevitable."
In veiled criticism of Sir Keir Starmer's Government, he adds: "This extraordinary result stands in stark contrast to Labour's position in the national polls.
"It shows that Nigel Farage can be beaten at the next general election. But only if Labour is changed."
Minister: 'Labour should focus on Manchester mayor election not replacing PM'
07:27 , Rachael Burford
Labour should now focus on replacing Andy Burnham as the Mayor of Manchester and not a leadership battle, a cabinet minister says.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed, a close ally of Sir Keir Starmer, welcomed Mr Burnham’s victory in the Makerfield by-election and said the new MP now needs "a bit of family time because by-elections are incredibly stressful and intense".
"What will happen next is Andy is no longer the mayor of Greater Manchester, so there will be a by-election for that position," he tells Times Radio.
“We saw from the result in Makerfield this is going to be a straight Labour-Reform fight. We cannot risk the biggest regional politician in England going over to Reform because of all the division that they would want to sow across the north-west of England, all the damage that they will want to do.
“So all of us in the party celebrate Andy’s victory now, but we need to come together and make sure we win that by-election for the next mayor of Greater Manchester.”
Asked if he believed Mr Burnham would be better at delivering Labour’s agenda in Government than Sir Keir, Mr Reed adds: “There is no one person that can make the challenges of Government easier. We’ve got to get the balance right between growing the economy and investing in our public services that were broken.”
Markets eye potential new chancellor, says leading economist
07:13 , Rachael Burford
Markets will now have eyes on who Andy Burnham may appoint Chancellor if he becomes Prime Minister, says a senior economist.
One name which has been touted in recent days for the helm of the Treasury is Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband.
Simon French, chief economist & head of research at investment bank Panmure Liberum, posted on X: "Who would Burnham pick as Chancellor?
"This choice would say a lot about how me plans to govern.
"Picking anyone associated with the domestically inflationary policies we have seen in recent years on energy, labour and construction markets would risk a renewed inflation premium on Gilts."
Investors may also be concerned that a Labour leadership contest rather than a "coronation" for Mr Burnham "runs the risk of requiring expensive new spending pledges to win," Mr French added.
"Markets would reprice issuance/ inflation on a long summer leadership contest."
'Step aside,' key Burnham ally tells Starmer
06:39 , Rachael Burford
Sir Keir Starmer is urged to step aside for Andy Burnham to become Prime Minister rather than plunge Labour into a deeper civil war.
Former Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, one of Mr Burnham's key allies, says: "I hope that he will consider an orderly and managed transition.
"We have said that the party is in an existential crisis and things cannot continue, and it was quite clear after the local elections, unfortunately, that he considered that business as usual would suffice.
"Andy has potentially shown what a changed Labour Party could bring."
Starmer congratulates Burnham
06:37 , Rachael Burford
Sir Keir Starmer has this morning congratulated Andy Burnham on his win in Makerfield.
The Prime Minister says “voters chose Labour’s campaign of hope and optimism over division and hate”.
Burnham's by-election win is 'seismic result,' says leading polling expert
06:10 , Rachael Burford
Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election is a "seismic result," says a leading polling expert.
Luke Tryl, UK director of More in Common, posted on X: "Nearly a 10,000 majority that’s a seismic result for Labour, if the proof of concept was winning on hostile turf Burnham has done it, uniting the left vote and holding Reform to under 3 pts higher than at the General Election."
He added: "Think this is unarguably Reform’s worst night since General Election.
1) Barely any increase in their vote share in Makerfield. 20pt Labour win in a seat that was one of their best second places in 2024.
2) Tories show proof of life and even momentum in battle for the right with Aberdeen South win
3) Restore Britain take 7%, replicated elsewhere in fragmented politics Reform’s path to govt becomes very very hard."
He also published a bar chart showing how votes had shifted to Mr Burnham.
Labour fails to win Scottish by-elections
05:48 , Rachael Burford
While all eyes in England were on Makerfield, there were two other by-elections being held in overnight.
Tory MSP Douglas Lumsden took the Aberdeen South seat from the SNP, while Lara Bird held the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry constituency for the Scottish National Party.
Labour saw its vote share nosedive in both constituencies.
After his victory, Mr Lumsden said the people of Aberdeen had spoken “loud and clear” that the “destruction of the North Sea oil and has industry must stop now”.
He added: “We said at the start of this campaign that it is a referendum on the oil and gas industry and the people of Aberdeen have give a resounding answer that we back the oil and gas industry.”
Burnham's victory unlikely to lead to Labour surge, says polling guru
05:30 , Rachael Burford
Polling expert Sir John Curtice said Andy Burnham’s Makerfield victory was not likely to lead to a nationwide surge in Labour’s popularity.
He said: “Can this be replicated elsewhere? First thing to note, between them the Conservatives, the Greens and the Liberal Democrats got no more than 3% of the vote.
“I think one has to say that there are two crucial elements to Mr Burnham’s success. The first is the apparent readiness of those who are minded to vote for parties other than Reform, or indeed Restore Britain, their readiness to fall in and vote for Mr Burnham.
“The second element of Mr Burnham’s success is that in a sense he was riding two horses at once.
“He was both riding as the person who was trying to appeal to the traditional Labour vote and he was also able to appeal to those who wanted to see the back of Keir Starmer.
“The question you have to ask yourself is when Mr Burnham becomes prime minister, how easy will that trick be to repeat?
“Because once he’s his own man, he’s not going to be able to campaign against himself in the way he’s campaigned against Keir Starmer.”
Andy Burnham wins Makerfield by-election
04:57 , Matt Watts
Good morning and welcome back to our Makerfield by-election coverage .
Andy Burnham has won the by-election by-election by 9,231 votes, seeing off the challenge from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
Mr Burnham’s victory sets up a potential leadership contest unless the Prime Minister agrees to step down.
In his victory speech he said Labour had a “final chance to change” and “we must act upon it”.
Sir Keir has insisted he will fight any attempt to challenge him and has been building up a war chest for a leadership campaign.
But Mr Burnham’s supporters urged the Prime Minister to set out an “orderly and managed transition” of power.
Makerfield by-election: When will the result be announced?
Thursday 18 June 2026 21:42 , Megan Howe
The count will begin shortly after the polls close at 10pm.
The results are then expected in the early hours of Friday morning, probably around 4 or 5am.
Stay tuned tomorrow morning as we take you through the results.
Could Andy Burnham be Labour's lucky general as he marches on No10?
Thursday 18 June 2026 20:29 , Alastair Lockhart
June 18th will forever go down in the annals of British history.
After a march on the capital to seize power, Napoleon moved on from Paris and was defeated on that June date by Wellington at the battle of Waterloo in 1815.
"I would rather have lucky generals than good ones," the French Emperor is quoted as once saying, even though historians doubt he ever actually uttered those words.
But could “King of the North” Andy Burnham be Labour’s lucky general?
Read our Chief Reporter Nicholas Cecil’s full analysis here.
Londoners face £1,000 property tax rise under land levy backed by Andy Burnham
Thursday 18 June 2026 19:15 , Alastair Lockhart
Hundreds of thousands of Londoners could be hit with a £1,000 tax rise if a land value levy backed by Andy Burnham is introduced to replace council tax and stamp duty.
Such a major change is likely to impact on the capital hardest, just as the new “mansion tax” has given that the city is more wealthy than other regions.
The Greater Manchester Mayor has long supported major reform of the property tax system.
When will we know the results?
Thursday 18 June 2026 18:14 , Alastair Lockhart
There are just a few hours left for voters in Makerfield to cast their ballot.
When polls close, the count will begin shortly after 10pm on Thursday evening.
The results are then expected in the early hours of Friday morning, probably around 4 or 5am.
Reform MP Sarah Pochin condemned for 'dreadful' domestic abuse comments
Thursday 18 June 2026 16:50 , Megan Howe
Reform UK’s first female MP has faced criticism after a social media post in which she appeared to excuse domestic violence.
In a post on X she said: “England won the football last night.
“And thank god they did because, on the occasions that England lose their football matches, the incidents of domestic violence go through the roof.
“So, boys. Keep winning.”
While what she says is true, the MP appears to make light of a serious situation, suggesting that violence can be avoided if the England men’s team just “keep winning”.
For the sake of women’s safety we need England to keep winning 🏴 pic.twitter.com/Art8B5gzaf
— Sarah Pochin MP (@SarahForRuncorn) June 18, 2026
“This is so bad, I thought it was parody,” one person said.
“This is dreadful,” another said.
“You are an utter disgrace,” said another.
“How about men not hitting women at all,” another added.
What is Andy Burnham's property tax and how will it impact Londoners?
Thursday 18 June 2026 16:10 , Niva Yadav
The Mayor of Manchester has mooted a property tax for a number of years now, going back as far as when he first bid to become Labour in 2010.
More than a decade later, he is now hoping to secure the Labour premiership and launch his property tax overhaul.
But what will it mean for London? What will it involve and how will it work? Is it even needed?
See our explainer here to find out exactly what Andy Burnham’s premiership could mean for London.
What will Starmer do?
Thursday 18 June 2026 15:50 , Niva Yadav
Sir Keir Starmer has not yet appeared in Makerfield despite promising he would support Andy Burnham’s race against Reform UK.
Other Labour frontbenchers like Lucy Powell have shown up to back Burnham, while Dawn Butler and Angela Rayner have also rallied behind the “King of the North”.
Nobody knows for sure what Sir Keir is thinking, but it is understood that he will put up a fight.
Just yesterday, the Prime Minister offered Burnham a “big part” in his government, suggesting he would use a cabinet position to pacify any potential challenges to his premiership.
It seems unlikely that Burnham would accept such an offer as he has made no secret of his leadership ambitions.
Andy Burnham poses with youngest fan
Thursday 18 June 2026 15:40 , Niva Yadav
Andy Burnham has shared pictures of a “special visitor” at the campaign centre in Makerfield.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester posed with 5-week old Harley in photos shared on social media.
He added: “Vote Hope today”.
A special visitor to the campaign centre - 5 week old Harley!
— Andy Burnham for Makerfield (@andy4makerfield) June 18, 2026
Vote Hope today ☀️ pic.twitter.com/LoNTAZuVQh
Sir Keir and Reeves accused of rushing Heathrow expansion amid Burnham threat
Thursday 18 June 2026 15:30 , Niva Yadav
Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves are being accused of rushing plans for a third runway at Heathrow.
Critics have said the rushed blueprint is an attempt to clutch onto power amid the threat of Burnham.
Sir Sadiq Khan has also criticised the proposals.
The Standard’s chief reporter Nic Cecil has the full story here
More Labour MPs join the cavalry
Thursday 18 June 2026 15:20 , Niva Yadav
There are now a number of Labour MPs lining the streets of Makerfield to help get Labour over the line in today’s by-election.
We’ve already spotted Lucy Powell, Dawn Butler, and Angela Rayner. Now, former Defence Minister Al Carns, Lucy Rigby and Tony Vaughan have joined the cavalry in the north of England.
Out with @tonyvaughanMP and @LucyRigby and the brilliant Labour team. Get out and vote 🌹🌹 pic.twitter.com/tUf0mDTsFh
— Al Carns (@AlistairCarns) June 18, 2026
When could a leadership contest be held?
Thursday 18 June 2026 15:06 , Niva Yadav
If Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election, he intends on challenging Sir Keir Starmer for the keys to Number 10.
The journey won’t be straight forward, but rumour has it that the leadership contest could be launched within weeks.
First, Mr Burnham needs to gain the support of 81 Labour MPs (20% of the parliamentary party) to trigger the contest.
Then comes the battle of winning that contest, and it won’t be Starmer alone that Mr Burnham will be up against.
Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has also been eyeing up the position and has suggested he will also launch a bid for Labour leadership.
What will this mean for London?
Thursday 18 June 2026 14:30 , Niva Yadav
Burnham has been dubbed the “anti-London” mayor and so, a win for Labour could be a massive loss for London.
This includes a potential £1k tax rise, The Standard’s Nic Cecil reports. You can read the full piece here.
Rachael Burford also looks back at Andy Burnham’s nearly decade-long tenure at Mayor of Manchester and weighs up if the King of the North is really as anti-London as his critics suggest. You can read the full piece here.
"Keir is our Prime Minister. I am his Chancellor", says Reeves
Thursday 18 June 2026 14:15 , Niva Yadav
While many Labour MPs, including Angela Rayner, Dawn Butler, and Lucy Powell are rallying in Makerfield to get Labour across the line, Rachel Reeves has been speaking at the Times CEO Summit in London.
The Chancellor said there was “no vacancy” for her job, despite rife rumours of Burnham launching a leadership challenge should he win in Makerfield.
She said: “Keir is our Prime Minister. I am his Chancellor. I am getting on with the job of being Chancellor of the Exchequer and I plan to continue in that role.”
'It's gonna be closer than people think": Lucy Powell backs Burnham
Thursday 18 June 2026 14:01 , Niva Yadav
Deputy prime minister Lucy Powell has warned the by-election will be “closer than people think.”
“Please come and help today,” she said in a post on X as she appealed for Labour supporters to cast their vote.
There are hundreds and hundreds of activists in Makerfield today.
— Lucy Powell MP (@LucyMPowell) June 18, 2026
Come and help Get out the Vote pic.twitter.com/v55xZo1dnJ
She is one of a number of Labour MPs who have travelled to Makerfield today to rally support for Andy Burnham.
Robert Kenyon speaks to press in Ashton
Thursday 18 June 2026 13:30 , Niva Yadav
Robert Kenyon, Reform UK’s candidate, is speaking to press at Ashton in Makerfield.
He also appears to have changed into a suit, after flouting an England football shirt earlier this morning when he cast his vote.
A dozen other candidates in the race
Thursday 18 June 2026 13:16 , Niva Yadav
While it feels like a two-horse race, there are a dozen other candidates also standing in today’s by-election.
You can see the full list of candidates below, but we’ve picked out a few notable entries.
Standing for Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain is Rebecca Shepherd. If she wins, she’ll be the second MP from the party to join its leader in the House of Commons. Restore Britain has been snatching votes from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK and gaining momentum in recent months.
The Lib Dems have put forward Jake Austin, who previously ran in the 2024 Manchester mayoral election, losing out to none other than Andy Burnham. Will he be stung twice by the King of the North?
Robert Pownall is an independent who is only being mentioned here because he campaigns dressed as a fox. His manifesto is largely themed around protecting wildlife. He’s also dressed as a giant gannet....
Andy Burnham joins supporters in Makerfield
Thursday 18 June 2026 13:02 , Niva Yadav
Andy Burnham has joined supporters at the Stubshaw Cross Community and Sports Club in Ashton-in-Makerfield in Wigan.
Images show the Greater Manchester Mayor surrounded by supporters.
Earlier today, we saw Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon cast his vote. We won’t see Andy Burnham do the same, as he’s not legible to vote in this by-election.
Rupert Lowe arrives in Makerfield
Thursday 18 June 2026 12:51 , Niva Yadav
Restore Britain’s Rupert Lowe has been speaking to voters in Makerfield as voting gets underway.
Rupert Lowe’s party will be looking to make some gains in this by-election, likely from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
Restore Britain candidate Rebecca Shepherd has lived in Wigan most her adult life and has pledged to focus on SEND access, accountability, and honest representation.
When will the Makerfield by-election results be announced?
Thursday 18 June 2026 12:30 , Niva Yadav
Voters will have until 10pm today to cast their votes and decide the fate of Makerfield.
Andy Burnham is hopeful of a win that will secure his pathway to Westminster, while Nigel Farage looks to cement his control in the Labour heartlands.
We’ll know who came out victorious likely in the early hours of Friday morning, probably around 4am or 5am.
Burnham's cavalry arrive in Makerfield
Thursday 18 June 2026 12:15 , Niva Yadav
A whole host of familiar faces have arrived in Makerfield to support Andy Burnham.
Political figures like Angela Rayner and Lucy Powell both arrived in Ashton-in-Makerfield as voting gets underway, while former speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow also arrived to show his support.
An unlikely face was also in Makerfield yesterday evening. Namely, Hugh Grant. The famed British actor listened to Burnham speak at a rally yesterday evening.
Angela Rayner spotted in Makerfield
Thursday 18 June 2026 12:02 , Niva Yadav
Angela Rayner has joined the Labour campaigners up in Wigan as voting gets underway.
The former deputy prime minister has previously hit out at the NEC’s decision to block Burnham’s return to government.
Time to vote
Thursday 18 June 2026 11:40 , Niva Yadav
Voters around Makerfield are heading to the polling stations to vote. Everything you need to know about the vote can be found here.
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What does this mean for Reform UK?
Thursday 18 June 2026 11:26 , Niva Yadav
As Nigel Farage does his rounds of the polling stations, it will not be lost on him how monumental this by-election could be for Reform UK.
The party lost out in Caerphilly last year to Plaid Cymru and suffered another defeat in Gorton and Denton to Zack Polanski’s Greens.
But this time, they could be in with a chance to prove their ability and take over Labour heartland.
Just arrived to cast my vote in the by-election.
— Cllr Rob Kenyon (@RobKenyonReform) June 18, 2026
Something Andy Burnham cannot do. pic.twitter.com/LEwXARoQ2U
Polling underway as Farage makes appearance in Makerfield
Thursday 18 June 2026 11:15 , Niva Yadav
Nigel Farage has made an appearance alongside Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon in Makerfield this morning.
The pair posed for photos outside a polling station in Winstanley. The parish incidentally shares its name with the Tory candidate - Michael Winstanley.
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Andy Burnham puts out his final pitch
Thursday 18 June 2026 11:07 , Niva Yadav
We thought we’d received Andy Burnham’s final speech at his rally in Greater Manchester last night.
But he’s since posted two videos this morning in a final bid to voters. This time, it actually is the Manchester mayor’s final campaign update.
“It’s going to be close so please get out and vote hope today!,” he said on X.
My final campaign update.
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) June 18, 2026
It’s going to be close so please get out and vote hope today! 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/J0EYyhRU4j
Why does Burnham want Starmer to go?
Thursday 18 June 2026 10:40 , Niva Yadav
You might ask why Burnham is so desperate to oust Sir Keir. But he is not alone. A lot of MPs want Starmer out of No.10.
Around 100 Labour MPs in total are all calling on Starmer to quit following a devastating set of local elections where Labour suffered humiliating losses to Reform UK.
The party is now desperately looking for a recovery and it seems they see a light in Burnham. Not only has the Greater Manchester mayor earned himself a good reputation in his current post, but Labour backbenchers believe he has the political vision to take hold of the reigns and steer Labour in the right direction.
Tories could have more luck in Scotland by-election
Thursday 18 June 2026 10:40 , Niva Yadav
The Tories have practically been ruled out of winning the by-election in Makerfield, previous polls have suggested.
In fact, when the by-election was announced, some Conservatives suggested that the Tories should not stand at all in Makerfield so as not to split “the right-wing vote”. Jacob Rees Mogg suggested some kind of deal between the Conservatives and Reform UK to allow Nigel Farage the seat in Greater Manchester, so the Tories could make gains in Scotland.
And though there have been no such deals (all suggestions were swiftly stamped out by Kemi Badenoch), the Conservatives do still stand a chance in the Aberdeen South.
While that by-election won’t trigger a leadership challenge, it will still be interesting to see the showdown between the SNP and the Tories.
The seat has been a SNP stronghold for some seven years and losing it will be a massive blow to John Swinney.
Restore Britain looks to make gains over Reform UK
Thursday 18 June 2026 10:25 , Niva Yadav
Restore Britain has become a threat to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. The party - headed up by Rupert Lowe - is more right-wing than Reform UK and will be looking to make gains in Makerfield.
A win in Makerfield would see the party win its second seat in the House of Commons. Rupert Lowe currently holds the party’s only seat in Great Yarmouth.
On social media, the party has been urging voters to “make history” in Makerfield.
Vote Restore Britain to make history in Makerfield. pic.twitter.com/N3XNkOIhLe
— Restore Britain (@RestoreBritain) June 18, 2026
Everything you need to know
Thursday 18 June 2026 10:10 , Niva Yadav
The Standard will bring you the latest as votes are cast and the result is declared, plus all the fallout that might ensue.
In the meantime, news reporter Tom Place has compiled everything you need to know as the Makerfield by-election gets underway.
You can find out who’s in the running, why there’s an election, and when we’ll know the results here.
Polling place pooches
Thursday 18 June 2026 09:55 , Niva Yadav
Nothing says polling day like pooches outside the polling stations.
Will Burnham paw his way into parliament? Or are his policies all bark and no bite? Either way, Kenyon is hot on his tail.
Everyone in contention in the Makerfield by-election
Thursday 18 June 2026 09:45 , Niva Yadav
Voting is now well and truly underway in Britain’s most consequential by-election.
Though it may feel like a “two horse race” between Labour and Reform UK, there’s a whole host of candidates in contention from parties spanning the Climate Party to the Count Binface Party and the Rejoin EU party.
Here is a full list of candidates:
- Jake Austin, Liberal Democrats
- Count Binface, Count Binface Party
- Andy Burnham, Labour Party
- Dan Clarke, Libertarian Party
- John Alfred Dyer, Independent
- Ed Gemmell, Climate Party
- Paul Richard Gould, Independent
- Alan 'Howlin' Laud Hope, The Official Monster Raving Loony Party
- Robert Kenyon, Reform UK
- Robert Pownall, Independent (Protect The Wild)
- Rebecca Shepherd, Restore Britain
- Sarah Wakefield, Green Party
- Peter Ward, Rejoin EU
- Michael Winstanley, Conservative Party
Burnham cleared of Covid-19 lockdown breach
Thursday 18 June 2026 09:35 , Niva Yadav
Police have confirmed they will not pursue a report alleging Andy Burnham breached lockdown rules back in June 2021.
Nigel Farage’s Reform UK reported the Manchester mayor to the police over the claim and suggested Mr Burnham hosted a gathering at his home in Warrington, as reported by The Telegraph.
Sources close to Mr Burnham disputed the claims and labelled them a desperate smear on the eve of the by-election.
This morning, the Greater Manchester Police has concluded that “no further police action will be taken.”
Thousands of Labour campaigners headed for Makerfield
Thursday 18 June 2026 09:25 , Niva Yadav
Thousands of Labour campaigners are expected in Makerfield today with concerns mounting that they might “overwhelm” voters heading to the polls.
The Guardian reported that hotels are fully booked as Burnham backers head out in their masses to campaign. As many as 3,000 campaigners are estimated to be in the local area, knocking at doors and leafleting at bus stops.
Beating Reform UK has become a priority for many Labour ministers and MPs. Bridget Phillipson, Jonathan Reynolds, and David Lammy have all rallied in Makerfield in recent days.
But one face that has not been spotted in Makerfield is Sir Keir Starmer, despite promising to do so at the beginning of the campaign.
Londoners face £1,000 tax rise under land levy backed by Burnham
Thursday 18 June 2026 09:14 , Niva Yadav
Dubbed by critics as the anti-London mayor, Andy Burnham may be living up to his name as he is said to be backing a land value levy that would cost Londoners an additional £1,000 in tax rises.
The land value levy would replace council tax and stamp duty, but like “mansion tax”, it would hit the capital the hardest given the city is more wealthy than its UK counterparts.
Andy Burnham is said to be a backer of the reform.
You can read Nic Cecil’s full piece here.
Hugh Grant makes surprise appearance at Burnham rally
Thursday 18 June 2026 08:55 , Niva Yadav
Hugh Grant at a Burnham rally cannot have been on anybody’s bingo card.
But the photos prove it. The British acting legend was spotted in Wigan ahead of the Makerfield by-election, attending a rally where Mr Burnham addressed his supporters.
Is Andy Burnham Labour's lucky general?
Thursday 18 June 2026 08:41 , Niva Yadav
Today could be the UK’s most consequential by-election as voters in Makerfield decide the fate of Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour premiership.
But will Andy Burnham be the solution to Labour’s woes? Sir Keir Starmer has been up against it since Labour suffered a humiliating loss in the local elections last month.
Burnham will, however, inherit a better economic legacy than was handed to Sir Keir by the Tories in 2024. Could this and Northern grit be enough to turn around Labour’s fate?
Here, The Standard’s Nic Cecil breaks down whether Burnham is the “lucky general” Labour needs.
Wes Streeting wishes Burnham luck
Thursday 18 June 2026 08:25 , Niva Yadav
Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has wished Andy Burnham luck as voting gets underway in Makerfield.
In a post on X, Mr Streeting described the by-election as a “two-horse race” between Reform UK and Andy Burnham for Labour.
Mr Streeting has suggested this week that he would be prepared for a leadership. contest as early as next week.
However, like many Labour backbenchers, Streeting suggested that the Prime Minister should be given time to “take a decision on his own terms” rather than letting a leadership race be triggered.
He has been backed as an underdog in the potential leadership race against Burnham.
Good luck to @AndyBurnhamGM today!
— Wes Streeting (@wesstreeting) June 18, 2026
Make sure you use your vote in Makerfield today - it’s a two horse race between Andy and Reform.
Vote Labour 🌹 https://t.co/5Ir879dQul
Don't forget about the Greens
Thursday 18 June 2026 08:15 , Niva Yadav
It would be easy to forget about Green Party candidate Sarah Wakefield in a battle that seems to be between just two parties.
But Ms Wakefield has launched her final pitch to voters, promising to “sort out social housing” and protect “green spaces.”
Makerfield - Vote Green today 💚 pic.twitter.com/NAJKslJPQO
— The Green Party (@TheGreenParty) June 18, 2026
The Manchester City councillor is currently on maternity leave as a charity director.
Burnham turned down 'big role' in Starmer government
Thursday 18 June 2026 08:05 , Niva Yadav
Just yesterday Andy Burnham shut down all offers of accepting a ‘big role’ in Sir Keir’s government if he wins the Makerfield by-election.
Sir Keir appeared to offer an olive branch to the Manchester Mayor, potentially signalling an invitation into the cabinet. But sources close to Mr Burnham have said he is not interested.
What’s become clear is that Mr Burnham has his eyes on one prize - and that’s a spot in Number 10.
You can read the full piece here.
What will it mean for London if Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield election?
Thursday 18 June 2026 07:55 , Niva Yadav
The Mayor of Manchester has repeatedly faced accusations of being anti-London and has claimed that northerners can “face discrimination”.
He has polled as favourite in exit polls, but a win for Burnham could be a potential loss for London.
Transport spending in the capital is just one of the things that could come under fire if Burnham rises to power as has been predicted.
You can read our full analysis of what Burnham’s win could mean for London here.
What happens if Andy Burnham wins?
Thursday 18 June 2026 07:45 , Niva Yadav
Winning the by-election does not automatically mean Andy Burnham will replace Sir Keir Starmer.
First, Mr Burnham would have to win a Labour leadership contest, which can only be triggered with the backing of 81 Labour MPs.
After that, a vote will take place. In that vote, Mr Burnham will have to secure at least 50% of the vote.
But don’t forget - Wes Streeting and potentially former defence minister Al Carns are also be eyeing up Number 10 and could pip Mr Burnham to the post in a leadership race.
You can read the full analysis of what might happen next here.
Makerfield is not the only by-election today
Thursday 18 June 2026 07:40 , Niva Yadav
Makerfield is not the only by-election taking place today, with voters in Scottish constituencies Arbroath and Broughty Ferry and Aberdeen South also heading to polling stations.
But all eyes will be on Makerfield as it is this by-election which could trigger a leadership contest should Labour’s Andy Burnham cinch the win.
The Greater Manchester Mayor is expected to challenge Sir Keir if all goes his way, marking his return back to Westminster after standing down as MP in the 2017 general election.
His previous attempts to run in the Gorton and Denton by-election had been blocked by the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee.
"Vote hope": Andy Burnham's final pitch
Thursday 18 June 2026 07:30 , Niva Yadav
Andy Burnham has urged voters to “vote hope” in a final pitch on Wednesday evening.
The Greater Manchester Mayor urged voters not to back Reform’s candidate Robert Kenyon, as he claimed the party’s victory could lead to a “darker and more divided politics”.
“There is a path that carries on and makes Britain look more and more like the United States of America, and we do not, in my view, want to end up there, where people can’t talk to each other in the street. That’s not the Britain I know, and the Britain that I love, and that’s not the path that we should be taking,” Mr Burnham said.
Vote Hope.@AndyBurnhamGM’s full speech this evening. pic.twitter.com/23LAJRtgn2
— Andy Burnham for Makerfield (@andy4makerfield) June 17, 2026
In a comical blunder with technology, Andy Burnham forgot to turn on the sound in one of his final videos posted on X. He’ll be hoping the by-election goes smoother than that.
"I understand the pressures facing local families": Rob Kenyon's final pitch
Thursday 18 June 2026 07:25 , Niva Yadav
In his final appeal to voters, Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon said: “This election is on a knife edge and every vote will matter.
“I understand the pressures facing local families in Makerfield... because my family faces them too.”
This election is on a knife edge and every vote will matter.
— Cllr Rob Kenyon (@RobKenyonReform) June 18, 2026
I understand the pressures facing local families in Makerfield... because my family faces them too.
Vote Reform UK today. 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/tdmVeNRjyf
It was not too long ago that a series of controversial and offensive comments were unearthed from Rob Kenyon’s social media accounts.
The local plumber has since deleted the posts which saw him share transphobic and misogynistic comments, as well as Covid-19 misinformation.
At the time, Nigel Farage defended Mr Kenyon, explaining the posts were “a few laddish things” and were “taken wildly out of context.”
What you need to know ahead of today
Thursday 18 June 2026 07:20 , Niva Yadav
As the doors to polling stations open across the Greater Manchester constituency of Makerfield, here’s the current state of play.
All the candidates have made their final pitches to voters ahead of Thursday’s vote.
Andy Burnham, the so-called “King of the North”, said that “change is coming” to Westminster.
He added: “This is a chance to vote for change, for change in politics, for change in our economy, to vote for people, to make life better for people. It is a vote for Makerfield. It is a vote for hope”
Mr Burnham is hopeful that a win in the by-election could allow him to oust Sir Keir Starmer and replace him as Prime Minister.
He will face off against Reform UK candidate, Robert Kenyon, a local plumber who came second in the 2024 general election. Nigel Farage’s party has celebrated successes in the area following local elections in May and will now be hopeful about assuming the Makerfield seat.
In a video posted on X, the Reform UK party leader said: “What is clear is if you vote for anyone other than Rob, you’re effectively voting for Labour.”
Polling day! Polls open for potentially seismic UK by-election
Thursday 18 June 2026 07:10 , Niva Yadav
After a stunning win for England in their World Cup opener last night, it’s back to business for what could be a seismic by-election.
In Makerfield, voters will shortly be heading to polling stations across the Greater Manchester constituency to elect their new MP.
Among those in contention for the seat are former cabinet minister and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham for Labour, Reform’s Robert Kenyon, Restore’s Rebecca Shepherd, and the Green’s Sarah Wakefield.
Despite calls from some Conservatives to step aside in the by-election, the Tories have put forward Michael Winstanley.
It’s expected to be a tight contest between Labour and Reform UK, but a win for Sir Keir’s party could also mean an end to his premiership as Andy Burnham looks to replace him in Number 10.
Polls will open at 7am and close at 10pm, with results expected early on Friday.
