Andy Burnham will be allowed to stand in Labour’s candidate selection process for the Makerfield by-election, taking him a step closer to challenging Sir Keir Starmer for the leadership of the party.
The Greater Manchester mayor announced on Thursday he was seeking to return to Westminster, after Labour MP Josh Simons agreed to step down.
Education secretary Bridget Philipson told BBC Radio 4’s The Week in Westminster programme that Mr Burnham would be a “strong candidate” but said Sir Keir had her “full support”.
Wes Streeting said the Makerfield by-election, expected to be a battle against Reform UK, “will be tough” as he touted Mr Burnham as one of Labour’s “best players.”
The former health secretary’s allies say he will run in any potential Labour leadership contest despite his glowing endorsement that Mr Burnham is Labour’s “best chance of winning” the Makerfield by-election.
Mr Streeting dramatically quit his ministerial role on Thursday and is now widely expected to mount a leadership challenge.
Allies of Mr Streeting confirmed to The Independent: "Wes will be a candidate when the contest comes".
Key Points
- Andy Burnham approved to stand in by-election
- Bridget Philipson says Andy Burnham is 'strong candidate' but Starmer has her 'full support'
- Analysis: Why Makerfield will be a tough battleground for Labour in a by-election
- Can Andy Burnham actually beat Reform to take on Starmer? Here’s what the data shows
- Analysis: Streeting resignation deepens Starmer's leadership crisis
Can Andy Burnham actually beat Reform in Makerfield to take on Starmer? Here’s what the data shows
12:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAndy Burnham has been cleared to stand in the upcoming by-election for Makerfield, paving the way for him to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership.
Mr Burnham won approval of Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to stand, having previously blocked him from running in February’s by-election in Gorton and Denton, on Friday. The decision comes a day after Josh Simons announced he would quit parliament to make way for the Manchester mayor to run in his seat.
But one hurdle remains in Mr Burnham’s path to Westminster – winning the by-election against Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
Read more here:
Can Andy Burnham actually beat Reform to take on Starmer? Here’s what the data shows
Labour leadership race: Key moments in the challenge to take on Keir Starmer
11:40 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe starting gun has been fired on a Labour leadership election, with Andy Burnham approved to stand in the Makerfield by-election and Wes Streeting quitting the cabinet and indicating he will run in any contest.
Speculation that Sir Keir could face a challengehas been circling for months, but after days of mounting calls for him to resign following the disastrous Labour election results, candidates have finally begun to make their moves.
Mr Streeting, Mr Burnham and deputy prime minister Angela Rayner have all been widely touted as the most probable challengers to Sir Keir’s premiership, while Al Carns and Ed Miliband have also been named as potential candidates.
Read more here:
Labour leadership race: Key moments in the challenge to take on Keir Starmer
Another Reform candidate resigns after vetting failure – and councils are forced to pick up the bill
11:20 , Maryam Zakir-HussainJust days after being elected, one of Reform UK’s 53 new councillors in Essex, Stuart Prior was already heading for the door having handed in his resignation.
Six months earlier he allegedly authored social media posts in which he celebrated a Sikh woman being raped in the Midlands, described Muslim people as “rats” and wrote that white people were the “master race”.
Confronted by the Mirror over the posts ahead of the election, Mr Prior said he “did not recall” the tweets, despite the journalist pointing out that pictures of the candidate’s house and dog also featured in posts from the same account.
Another Reform candidate resigns after vetting failure as councils forced to pay
Watch: Streeting resignation deepens Starmer's leadership crisis
11:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainTrump warns it will be ‘tough’ for Starmer to survive as prime minister
10:42 , Maryam Zakir-HussainDonald Trump has weighed in on Sir Keir Starmer’s political future, warning it will be “tough” for him to survive as prime minister after a disastrous few days for his premiership.
The US president claimed Sir Keir, who is facing immense pressure to resign following the fallout of Labour’s disastrous local election results, will struggle to remain in office unless he deals with immigration and energy policy.
Pressed over whether the prime minister can survive, Mr Trump said: “It’s a tough thing unless he can straighten out immigration, where he’s weak, and if he doesn’t start drilling, stop with the windmills all over the place that are causing havoc.”
Trump warns it will be ‘tough’ for Starmer to survive as prime minister
Labour needs a 'battle of ideas, not personalities,' minister says
10:12 , Maryam Zakir-HussainLabour needs to have a “battle of ideas”, not of personalities, a minister has said amid ongoing talk of a leadership challenge to replace Sir Keir Starmer.
Communities minister Alison McGovern told the Progress think tank’s conference in London that Labour had been left “reeling” from its election defeats last week, adding: “Too often I think we’ve been caught up in the wrong kind of battle. It’s a battle of ideas that’s needed, not a battle of personalities.
“I must be in the top percent of people in the country most interested in politics, and if all the political news, half low-grade soap opera, half predictable horse race, makes me want to switch off, God knows what anyone just trying to get on with their life thinks.
“So we have to put forward our ideas in a way that’s new, not the old battles of left and right swinging it out, but practical progressive ideas that show our values.”
In a further hint at Labour’s ongoing internal ructions, Ms McGovern later said that leadership in progressive ideas is “never provided by just one man, but by each and every one of us in this room”.
“That will carry us towards the next election with hope in our hearts,” she added.
Analysis: Can Wes Streeting halt Burnham's momentum as he breaks his silence for the first time since quitting
10:01 , Maryam Zakir-HussainBy Kate Devlin, Whitehall Editor
Westminster waited with baited breath to see what the health secretary would do.
But within hours of his resignation, the attention turned to Andy Burnham and the fight he faces to beat Reform and enter Westminster and, possibly, No 10.
That has left some believing Mr Streeting should stand aside if Burnham returns.
So today, as he breaks his silence for the first time since he resigned, in a speech to the Progress conference at 3pm, Mr Streeting faces his own battle - to set out his stall his vision for Britain and, potentially, why he should be PM.
Voters split on whether Andy Burnham looks like a PM in waiting, new poll finds
09:31 , Maryam Zakir-HussainOur Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
A new poll, by YouGov, has found 31 per cent of people believe the Greater Manchester Mayor does currently look like a prime minster in waiting - but close to the same number, 27 per cent, think he does not.
And 42 per cent are unsure.When it comes to Labour voters the numbers are better, however.
46 per cent believe he looks like a PM in waiting vs 20 per cent who do not.
Things are also better in his political backyard of the North, where the figures are 38 vs 27 per cent.
‘Starmer is doing nothing, but Burnham is for the people’: Makerfield voters pin their hopes on the ‘King of the North’
09:03 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAndy Burnham intends to stand to be the next MP for Makerfield, but would its voters welcome the ‘King of the North’? Dan Haygarth finds out:
“The country's in chaos, isn't it? It’s just dreadful and Starmer is doing nothing”, says Joan Preston.
The 82-year-old had been a lifelong Labour voter until Sir Keir Starmer became its leader, when she abandoned it, believing it no longer to be the party of the working class. But a change could be about to win her back.
“I would go with Labour if Andy Burnham stood”, she tells The Independent in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Greater Manchester.
Read more here:
Does the ‘King of the North’ have what it takes to keep Makerfield red?
Bridget Philipson says Andy Burnham is 'strong candidate' but Starmer has her 'full support'
08:34 , Maryam Zakir-HussainEducation secretary Bridget Philipson told BBC Radio 4’s The Week in Westminster programme that Mr Burnham would be a “strong candidate” but said Sir Keir had her “full support”.
“He’s been a great mayor in Greater Manchester. I’ve worked with him really closely on everything from SEND reform to skills, further education, so I know he’ll be a strong candidate in putting himself forward.”
She added: “I’ll be campaigning for whoever the Labour candidate is in the by-election in Makerfield. That’s my responsibility.”
Pressure on Starmer ramps up as Burnham one step closer to challenge
08:05 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe prospect of a leadership challenge to Sir Keir Starmer is looming closer after Andy Burnham was cleared to run for selection in the Makerfield by-election.
The Greater Manchester mayor is seeking to replace Josh Simons, who is standing down as an MP to make way for Mr Burnham to return to Parliament.
Labour’s ruling body, the National Executive Committee (NEC), has granted Mr Burnham permission to stand in the selection process.
Applications close on Monday and the NEC will endorse a candidate on Thursday.
June 18 is thought to be the earliest date a by-election could take place.If he is successfully elected, Mr Burnham is widely expected to challenge Sir Keir for the party leadership.
While Makerfield is typically a safe seat for Labour, the party expects a stiff challenge from Reform UK this time around.
Mr Simons secured a majority of just 5,399 over Nigel Farage’s party at the 2024 general election.
Since then, Labour’s polling collapse and Reform’s surge have seen their positions reverse.
Can Andy Burnham actually beat Reform to take on Starmer? Here’s what the data shows
07:00 , Rebecca WhittakerAndy Burnham has been cleared to stand in the upcoming by-election for Makerfield, paving the way for him to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership.
Mr Burnham won approval of Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to stand, having previously blocked him from running in February’s by-election in Gorton and Denton, on Friday. The decision comes a day after Josh Simons announced he would quit parliament to make way for the Manchester mayor to run in his seat.
But one hurdle remains in Mr Burnham’s path to Westminster – winning the by-election against Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
Read more here:
Can Andy Burnham actually beat Reform to take on Starmer? Here’s what the data shows
Makerfield by-election is likely to be held in June
06:00 , Rebecca WhittakerIt has been reported that the Makerfield by-election will likely take place on Thursday 18 June, according to the BBC.
It comes as the Labour Party has confirmed Andy Burnham will be included in Labour’s candidate selection process for the Makerfield by-election, the party said.
Labour is set to select their by-election candidate following a local hustings on Thursday 21 May.
Union boss set to back Burnham's bid to be a Labour candidate in Makerfield
05:30 , Rebecca WhittakerThe general secretary of Usdaw said her union would back Andy Burnham’s bid to be Labour’s candidate at the Makerfield by-election.
Joanne Thomas, who also chairs the Tulo group of Labour-affiliated trade unions, said: “There is a consensus building that it would be wrong for members in Makerfield to not have the opportunity to select Andy Burnham as their candidate for the Makerfield by-election.
“Therefore, Usdaw’s NEC representatives have decided they will vote for the Greater Manchester Mayor to be allowed to seek selection as a parliamentary candidate.”
Usdaw has two representatives on Labour’s national executive committee (NEC), including one who sat on the smaller officers committee that blocked Mr Burnham from contesting the Gorton and Denton by-election earlier this year.
Watch: Voters react as Andy Burnham to stand in Makerfield by-election
04:30 , Rebecca WhittakerAnalysis: What would Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner and Andy Burnham do differently as prime minister?
03:30 , Rebecca Whittaker
What would Streeting, Rayner and Burnham do differently as PM?
A mayoral election in Greater Manchester and a by-election could cost £5 million
02:30 , Rebecca WhittakerThe combined costs of running a mayoral election in Greater Manchester and the by-election which could allow Andy Burnham a return to Westminster may reach £5 million.
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority said that the cost of the previous mayoral election in 2024 was £4,719,754.
In the Makerfield ballot, the official responsible for overseeing the election has a budget of £226,208 to administrate it.
Some £3,738 of this will be available to pay the lead official, the returning officer, for their time.
The remaining £222,470 is available to pay for ballot papers, IT, staffing and other support to carry out the poll.
Further costs to the public purse would be incurred via the postage costs each candidate is entitled to, which allows them to write to all voting households.
Ministers revealed in 2016 that the average cost of running a by-election since 2010 was £228,964.
Watch: Streeting resignation deepens Starmer's leadership crisis
01:32 , Rebecca WhittakerTrump warns it will be ‘tough’ for Starmer to survive as prime minister
Saturday 16 May 2026 00:30 , Rebecca WhittakerDonald Trump has weighed in on Sir Keir Starmer’s political future warning it will be “tough” for him to survive as prime minister after a disastrous few days for his premiership.
The US president claimed Sir Keir, who is currently facing immense pressure to resign following the fallout of Labour’s disastrous local election results, will struggle to remain in office unless he deals with immigration and energy policy.
Read more here:
Trump warns it will be ‘tough’ for Starmer to survive as prime minister
Political expert says it's still not 'certain' Burnham will return to Westminster
Friday 15 May 2026 23:30 , Rebecca WhittakerIt is not “certain” that Andy Burnham will be returning to Westminster, political lecturer Dr Alexandra Meakin told the BBC.
The lecturer in British politics at the University of Leeds explained the local election results showed “safe seats are a thing of the past” as Reform gained seats from Labour.
"A split of the left-wing vote between Labour and the Green Party could easily allow Reform to cruise to victory,” she said.
Andy Burnham says he will work to 'regain trust' of constituency
Friday 15 May 2026 22:30 , Rebecca WhittakerYesterday Andy Burnham announced he would be requesting the permission of the NEC to stand in the Makerfield by-election - which has now been granted.
In a post on X announcing the decision the Mayor of Greater Manchester stressed that “bigger change in needed” for Manchester.
“This is why I now seek people’s support to return to Parliament: to bring the change we have brought to Greater Manchester to the whole of the UK and make politics work properly for people,” he wrote.
He added that he will not “take a single vote for granted” and work to “regain the trust of people in the Makerfield constituency.”
I can confirm that I will be requesting the permission of the NEC to stand in the Makerfield by-election.
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) May 14, 2026
I grew up in this area and have lived here for 25 years. I care deeply about it and its people. I know they have been let down by national politics.
Ten years ago, I…
Watch: Nigel Farage clashes with Beth Rigby over questions on £5m donation
Friday 15 May 2026 21:30 , Rebecca WhittakerWes Streeting gears up for fight against Andy Burnham in possible Labour leadership contest
Friday 15 May 2026 21:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainWes Streeting is gearing up for a fight against Andy Burnham in a possible Labour leadership contest – despite backing him to win a by-election that could return him to Westminster to challenge Sir Keir’s premiership.
The former health secretary argued that the mayor of Greater Manchester should be allowed to stand in the up-coming Makerfield race, saying Labour needs “our best players on the pitch”.
But, despite throwing his weight behind his rival, the former health secretary's allies told The Independent that he would stand as a leadership candidate in any contest.
Our political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Streeting gears up for fight against Burnham in possible Labour leadership contest
Recap: What does the NEC decision mean for Andy Burnham?
Friday 15 May 2026 20:45 , Rebecca WhittakerLabour’s ruling body the National Executive Committee, has approved Andy Burnham to run for selection in the Makerfield by-election.
If he wins the seat, it would make him eligible to launch a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer.
But he first will need to be selected as the local party's candidate and he will need to win the seat.
The current MP Josh Simons has announced he is stepping down to make way for Burnham.
This is the NEC process which is yet to be finalised:
- Friday 15 May- Applications for candidacy open
- Saturday 16 May:
- 1pm- Deadline for prospective candidates to seek NEC permission
- During day - NEC officers determine permission applications
- Monday 18 May, 12pm- Applications close
- Candidate due diligence checks made throughout application period, concluding on 18 May
- During day - Selection panel longlisting revealed
- Tuesday 19 May - Selection panel shortlisting interviews
- Thursday 21 May - Hustings and selection meeting; NEC endorsement of candidate
'No one should be blocked from standing for office,' says MP
Friday 15 May 2026 20:30 , Rebecca WhittakerBell Ribeiro-Addy, MP forClapham and Brixton Hill, although didn’t name Andy Burnham in her post on X said: “No one should be blocked from standing for office by factional gatekeepers.”
This is likely a reference to the NEC's decision not to let him stand as candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election earlier this year, which the Greens won.
Any leadership contest must happen on a timescale which allows proper debate, democracy and a full field of candidates.
— Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP (@BellRibeiroAddy) May 15, 2026
No one should be blocked from standing for office by factional gatekeepers.
We should also change undemocratic nomination rules designed to exclude the left.
Farage ‘bought £1.4m house after receiving £5m donation from crypto billionaire’
Friday 15 May 2026 20:15 , Maryam Zakir-HussainNigel Farage is said to have bought a £1.4m house soon after being given a £5m “gift” from a Thailand-based crypto billionaire.
The Reform UK leader is being investigated by the Commons sleaze watchdog for failing to declare the multi-million-pound donation from party donor Christopher Harborne, made weeks before Mr Farage stood in the 2024 general election.
Mr Farage has previously insisted there is “no case to answer” over the gift, which he said was needed to pay for private security for the rest of his life.
But he is now facing further questions after property records, seen by Sky News, have shown he completed the purchase of a £1.4m property in cash in May 2024.
Farage ‘bought £1.4m house after £5m donation from Thailand-based billionaire’
Watch: Andy Burnham moves to take on Starmer - but Labour should be careful what they wish for
Friday 15 May 2026 20:00 , Rebecca WhittakerUnion boss set to back Burnham's bid to be a Labour candidate in Makerfield
Friday 15 May 2026 19:45 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe general secretary of Usdaw said her union would back Andy Burnham’s bid to be Labour’s candidate at the Makerfield by-election.
Joanne Thomas, who also chairs the Tulo group of Labour-affiliated trade unions, said: “There is a consensus building that it would be wrong for members in Makerfield to not have the opportunity to select Andy Burnham as their candidate for the Makerfield by-election.
“Therefore, Usdaw’s NEC representatives have decided they will vote for the Greater Manchester Mayor to be allowed to seek selection as a parliamentary candidate.”
Usdaw has two representatives on Labour’s national executive committee (NEC), including one who sat on the smaller officers committee that blocked Mr Burnham from contesting the Gorton and Denton by-election earlier this year.
'Labour's chaos has created this by-election'- Kemi Badenoch
Friday 15 May 2026 19:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainKemi Badenoch has said that despite it being “not convention” for parties to pay for by-elections, “it is quite clear that this by-election has been created because of Labour’s chaos”.
Her comments come after data suggests the combined costs of running a mayoral election in Greater Manchester and the by-election in Makerfield which could allow Andy Burnham a return to Westminster may reach £5 million.
Speaking to the Press Association at an electrical engineering manufacturer in her constituency of Saffron Walden on Friday, the Tory leader said: “It is not convention that parties pay for by-elections, but it is quite clear that this by-election has been created because of Labour’s chaos and other protest parties will exploit this.
“We’re going to spend a lot of time talking about by-elections and Westminster bubble issues, instead of the things that matter to the country.”
MP backs NEC decision to allowing Andy Burnham to run
Friday 15 May 2026 19:15 , Rebecca WhittakerEaling Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq has said it was the “right decision” to not block Andy Burnham.
In a post on X she wrote: “Right decision of Labour NEC to not block @AndyBurnhamGM Internal @UKLabour party democracy must be allowed to thrive Our members who pay their subs deserve respect and final say. Looking forward to campaigning in Makerfield!”
Right decision of Labour NEC to not block @AndyBurnhamGM Internal @UKLabour party democracy must be allowed to thrive
— Rupa Huq MP (@RupaHuq) May 15, 2026
Our members who pay their subs deserve respect and final say. Looking forward to campaigning in Makerfield! https://t.co/MPIZc5cayg
Watch: Labour leadership chaos 'reminds me of the Conservatives', Cabinet minister admits
Friday 15 May 2026 19:00 , Rebecca WhittakerPolitical expert says it's still not 'certain' Burnham will return to Westminster
Friday 15 May 2026 18:45 , Rebecca WhittakerIt is not “certain” that Andy Burnham will be returning to Westminster, political lecturer Dr Alexandra Meakin told the BBC.
The lecturer in British politics at the University of Leeds explained the local election results showed “safe seats are a thing of the past” as Reform gained seats from Labour.
"A split of the left-wing vote between Labour and the Green Party could easily allow Reform to cruise to victory,” she said.
A mayoral election in Greater Manchester and a by-election could cost £5 million
Friday 15 May 2026 18:34 , Rebecca WhittakerThe combined costs of running a mayoral election in Greater Manchester and the by-election which could allow Andy Burnham a return to Westminster may reach £5 million.
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority said that the cost of the previous mayoral election in 2024 was £4,719,754.
In the Makerfield ballot, the official responsible for overseeing the election has a budget of £226,208 to administrate it.
Some £3,738 of this will be available to pay the lead official, the returning officer, for their time.
The remaining £222,470 is available to pay for ballot papers, IT, staffing and other support to carry out the poll.
Further costs to the public purse would be incurred via the postage costs each candidate is entitled to, which allows them to write to all voting households.
Ministers revealed in 2016 that the average cost of running a by-election since 2010 was £228,964.
London protest clash: Police brace for Unite the Kingdom and Palestine rallies amid FA cup final
Friday 15 May 2026 18:15 , Maryam Zakir-HussainLondon is bracing for an “unprecedented” policing operation this Saturday as the capital prepares for two major protest marches and the FA Cup final. The scale of the deployment is described as the largest in recent years.
Thousands of police officers will be deployed across the city, supported by armoured vehicles, police horses, dogs, drones, and helicopters, as the Metropolitan Police aims to prevent potential clashes between various groups.
Heavy restrictions have been implemented to ensure the separation of Tommy Robinson’s “Unite the Kingdom” rally and the pro-Palestine Nakba Day event.
London braces for rival Tommy Robinson and Palestine rallies amid FA cup final
Burnham approved to stand in by-election opening path to Westminster to challenge Starmer
Friday 15 May 2026 18:00 , Rebecca WhittakerAndy Burnham has been given the green light to stand in a by-election that could see him return to Westminster to challenge Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester has been cleared by the Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC), allowing him to be included in the party’s candidate selection process for the upcoming Makerfield by-election.
Read more here by the Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke:
Burnham can stand in by-election opening path to Westminster to challenge Starmer
What does the NEC decision mean for Andy Burnham?
Friday 15 May 2026 17:56 , Rebecca WhittakerLabour’s ruling body the National Executive Committee, has approved Andy Burnham to run for selection in the Makerfield by-election.
If he wins the seat, it would make him eligible to launch a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer.
But he first will need to be selected as the local party's candidate and he will need to win the seat.
The current MP Josh Simons has announced he is stepping down to make way for Burnham.
This is the NEC process which is yet to be finalised:
- Friday 15 May- Applications for candidacy open
- Saturday 16 May:
- 1pm- Deadline for prospective candidates to seek NEC permission
- During day - NEC officers determine permission applications
- Monday 18 May, 12pm- Applications close
- Candidate due diligence checks made throughout application period, concluding on 18 May
- During day - Selection panel longlisting revealed
- Tuesday 19 May - Selection panel shortlisting interviews
- Thursday 21 May - Hustings and selection meeting; NEC endorsement of candidate
Watch: Voters react as Andy Burnham to stand in Makerfield by-election
Friday 15 May 2026 17:47 , Rebecca WhittakerStarmer accused of ‘withholding’ documents from Mandelson probe
Friday 15 May 2026 17:45 , Maryam Zakir-HussainMPs probing files detailing the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador have accused Sir Keir Starmer of “withholding” documents from their inquiry.
The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) – which is overseeing the release of the documents – has raised concerns that the government is redacting more information than was initially agreed on and accused it of applying redactions “far too broadly”.
It has demanded assurances that any information removed is “in the spirit of the humble address” that ordered the release of all files related to Lord Mandelson’s 2024 appointment as US ambassador.
Our political correspondent Millie Cooke has more:
Starmer accused of ‘withholding’ documents from Mandelson probe
Makerfield by-election is likely to be held in June
Friday 15 May 2026 17:38 , Rebecca WhittakerIt has been reported that the Makerfield by-election will likely take place on Thursday 18 June, according to the BBC.
It comes as the Labour Party has confirmed Andy Burnham will be included in Labour’s candidate selection process for the Makerfield by-election, the party said.
Labour is set to select their by-election candidate following a local hustings on Thursday 21 May.
🚨 BREAKING: The Makerfield by-election will take place on Thursday 18 June
— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) May 15, 2026
Former Green Party leader is against the party contesting the Makerfield by-election
Friday 15 May 2026 17:31 , Rebecca WhittakerFormer leader of the Green Party Caroline Lucas has suggested she does not want the Green Party to contest the Makerfield by-election.
In February Andy Burnham was blocked from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election, which the Greens went on to win.
But now, the National Executive Committee has given Andy Burnham permission to contest the Makerfield seat in North West England.
The Labour Party has said he will be included in Labour’s candidate selection process for the Makerfield by-election.
Responding to an article in The Guardian, which reports the Green Party will "properly contest" the by-election, Lucas has said: “I hope this isn't true."
In a post on X she added: “There are times when it’s more important to put country before party. This is one of them. Burnham’s longstanding commitment to a fairer voting system could transform our democracy & counter dire threat of a Reform UK government.”
Andy Burnham says 'bigger change is needed' for Manchester as NEC grants permission
Friday 15 May 2026 17:21 , Rebecca WhittakerThe National Executive Committee has given Andy Burnham permission to contest the Makerfield seat in North West England.
It comes after days of speculation that he could be a challenger to Sir Keir Starmer's leadership.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester confirmed his intention to stand in the by-election yesterday .
In a post on X Burnham said: “There is only so much that can be done from Greater Manchester. Much bigger change is needed at a national level if everyday life is to be made more affordable again.
“This is why I now seek people’s support to return to Parliament: to bring the change we have brought to Greater Manchester to the whole of the UK and make politics work properly for people.”
Badenoch says anyone who doesn't want to 'follow' Starmer should call for general election
Friday 15 May 2026 17:15 , Maryam Zakir-HussainKemi Badenoch has said that anyone who does not want to “follow” Sir Keir Starmer’s election mandate should call for a general election.
Speaking to the Press Association at an electrical engineering manufacturer in Saffron Walden, in her constituency of North West Essex on Friday, the Conservative Party leader said: “Labour were elected on a particular mandate. Anyone who does not want to follow that mandate should call a general election.
“The truth is, it doesn’t really matter whether it’s Keir Starmer, Andy Burnham, Wes Streeting, or someone else.
“The problem is the Labour Party. They did not have a plan for government; they only had a plan to win an election.”
It comes after Wes Streeting backed Andy Burnham as Labour’s “best chance” of winning the Makerfield by-election, as the former health secretary’s allies said he would still contest any battle for the party leadership.
The leader of the Opposition also told PA that her party “will announce a candidate for that by-election in due course”.
Andy Burnham approved to stand in by-election
Friday 15 May 2026 17:12 , Rebecca WhittakerThe Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham will be included in Labour’s candidate selection process for the Makerfield by-election, the party said.
A Labour Party spokesperson said: “Labour’s ruling body, the National Executive Committee has today given permission to Andy Burnham to stand in the candidate selection process in the forthcoming by-election for the Makerfield constituency.”
Wes Streeting gears up for fight against Andy Burnham in possible Labour leadership contest
Friday 15 May 2026 17:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainWes Streeting is gearing up for a fight against Andy Burnham in a possible Labour leadership contest – despite backing him to win a by-election that could return him to Westminster to challenge Sir Keir’s premiership.
The former health secretary argued that the mayor of Greater Manchester should be allowed to stand in the up-coming Makerfield race, saying Labour needs “our best players on the pitch”.
But, despite throwing his weight behind his rival, the former health secretary's allies told The Independent that he would stand as a leadership candidate in any contest.
Our political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Streeting gears up for fight against Burnham in possible Labour leadership contest
Wes Streeting gears up for fight against Andy Burnham in possible Labour leadership contest
Friday 15 May 2026 16:59 , Maryam Zakir-HussainWes Streeting is gearing up for a fight against Andy Burnham in a possible Labour leadership contest – despite backing him to win a by-election that could return him to Westminster to challenge Sir Keir’s premiership.
The former health secretary argued that the mayor of Greater Manchester should be allowed to stand in the up-coming Makerfield race, saying Labour needs “our best players on the pitch”.
But, despite throwing his weight behind his rival, the former health secretary's allies told The Independent that he would stand as a leadership candidate in any contest.
Our political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Streeting gears up for fight against Burnham in possible Labour leadership contest
Watch: Nigel Farage clashes with Beth Rigby over questions on £5m donation
Friday 15 May 2026 16:45 , Maryam Zakir-HussainCost of Burnham by-election and mayoral poll could reach £5m
Friday 15 May 2026 16:05 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAndy Burnham has said he seeks to stand in a by-election to return to Westminster, after an MP stood aside to make a seat free for him.
The combined costs of running a mayoral election in Greater Manchester and the by-election which could allow Andy Burnham a return to Westminster may reach £5 million.
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority told the Press Association that the cost of the previous mayoral election in 2024 was £4,719,754.
No breakdown of these costs was available.
In the Makerfield ballot, the official responsible for overseeing the election has a budget of £226,208 to administrate it.
Some £3,738 of this will be available to pay the lead official, the returning officer, for their time.
The remaining £222,470 is available to pay for ballot papers, IT, staffing and other support to carry out the poll.
Further costs to the public purse would be incurred via the postage costs each candidate is entitled to, which allows them to write to all voting households.
Stormont leaders concerned by Labour ‘distraction’ amid budget talks request
Friday 15 May 2026 15:20 , Maryam Zakir-HussainNorthern Ireland’s leaders have expressed concern that the Prime Minister has yet to respond to a request for talks on Stormont’s under-pressure budgetary situation.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly called for the meeting with Sir Keir Starmer a month ago amid claims the powersharing Executive’s budget was at “breaking point”.
Ministers have yet to agree a budget for the current financial year and have insisted they need more financial support from the Treasury to deliver spending plans that avoid dramatic cuts to public services.
Stormont leaders concerned by Labour ‘distraction’ amid budget talks request
Watch: Trump warns it will be ‘tough’ for Starmer to survive as PM
Friday 15 May 2026 15:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainCan Andy Burnham actually beat Reform to take on Starmer? Here’s what the data shows
Friday 15 May 2026 14:51 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAndy Burnham has given his clearest sign yet that he will challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership by announcing his intention to stand in the upcoming by-election for Makerfield.
Josh Simons announced on Thursday that he would quit Parliament to make way for the Manchester mayor to run. Mr Burnham must first get the approval of Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which previously blocked him from running in February’s by-election in Gorton and Denton.
Senior Labour sources have indicated that members will not stand in his way this time, but one hurdle remains in Mr Burnham’s path to Westminster: winning the by-election against Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
Can Andy Burnham actually beat Reform to take on Starmer? Here’s what the data shows
Who is Andy Burnham? The ‘King of the North’ threatening Starmer’s premiership
Friday 15 May 2026 14:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe writing appears to be on the wall for Sir Keir Starmer, and Labour desperately needs a leader who can see off the dual threats of the Greens and Reform UK.
Sean O’Grady asks whether the ‘King of the North’ could be the party’s knight in shining armour, even if there’s a by-election in his way:
Who is Andy Burnham? The ‘King of the North’ threatening Starmer’s premiership
Labour leadership race: Key moments in the challenge to take on Keir Starmer
Friday 15 May 2026 14:00 , Bryony GoochThe starting gun has been fired on a Labour leadership election, with Andy Burnham seeking a return to Westminster and Wes Streeting quitting the cabinet and indicating he will run in any contest.
Speculation that Sir Keir could face a challengehas been circling for months, but after days of mounting calls for him to resign following the disastrous Labour election results, candidates have finally begun to make their moves.
Mr Streeting, Mr Burnham and deputy prime minister Angela Rayner have all been widely touted as the most probable challengers to Sir Keir’s premiership, while Al Carns and Ed Miliband have also been named as potential candidates.
Athena Stavrou reports:
Labour leadership race: Key moments in the challenge to take on Keir Starmer
Labour pressure group urges party to allow Burham to run for by-election
Friday 15 May 2026 13:30 , Maryam Zakir-HussainLabour pressure group Mainstream urged the party to allow Andy Burnham to seek selection as its candidate in Makerfield.
The group’s interim council said in a statement: “Uniting behind the strongest possible candidate and running a positive, hopeful campaign with an offer of transformative change at its heart is how Labour will earn the kind permission to continue representing the people of Makerfield in parliament.
“That is why we hope Labour’s National Executive Committee will ensure Makerfield CLP is free to choose from the widest possible field of candidates in this by-election, a field that should clearly include Andy Burnham.
“Let us seize this opportunity to show the Labour Party at its best and put country before party.”
Starmer accused of ‘withholding’ documents from Mandelson probe
Friday 15 May 2026 13:14 , Maryam Zakir-HussainMPs probing files detailing the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador have accused Sir Keir Starmer of “withholding” documents from their inquiry.
The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) - which is overseeing the release of the documents - has raised concerns that the government is redacting more information than was initially agreed on and accused it of applying redactions “far too broadly”.
It has demanded assurances that any information removed is “in the spirit of the Humble Address” that ordered the release of all files related to Lord Mandelson’s 2024 appointment as US ambassador, in February.
Read more from our political correspondent Millie Cooke here:
Starmer accused of ‘withholding’ documents from Mandelson probe
In pictures: Makerfield, where Andy Burnham is expected to run in the by-election
Friday 15 May 2026 13:00 , Bryony Gooch
Who could replace Starmer as prime minister?
Friday 15 May 2026 12:45 , Bryony Gooch
Andy Burnham pictured in first sighting since announcing bid to return to Parliament
Friday 15 May 2026 12:45 , Maryam Zakir-HussainMayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, was pictured going for a run outside his house in Warrington, Cheshire.
Mr Burnham has said he will ask to stand for Labour in a by-election after Josh Simons quit to make way for his return to Parliament to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for prime minister.
Watch: New Health Secretary James Murray arrives at Downing Street
Friday 15 May 2026 12:30 , Bryony GoochBreaking: Trump warns it will be ‘tough’ for Starmer to survive as PM
Friday 15 May 2026 12:27 , Bryony GoochDonald Trump has warned it will be “tough” for Sir Keir Starmer to survive as prime minister unless he deals with immigration and energy policy.
Athena Stavrou reports:
Union boss set to back Burnham's bid to be a Labour candidate in Makerfield
Friday 15 May 2026 12:15 , Bryony GoochThe general secretary of Usdaw said her union would back Andy Burnham’s bid to be Labour’s candidate at the Makerfield by-election.
Joanne Thomas, who also chairs the Tulo group of Labour-affiliated trade unions, said: “There is a consensus building that it would be wrong for members in Makerfield to not have the opportunity to select Andy Burnham as their candidate for the Makerfield by-election.
“Therefore, Usdaw’s NEC representatives have decided they will vote for the Greater Manchester Mayor to be allowed to seek selection as a parliamentary candidate.”
Usdaw has two representatives on Labour’s national executive committee (NEC), including one who sat on the smaller officers committee that blocked Mr Burnham from contesting the Gorton and Denton by-election earlier this year.
Labour MP expresses support for Streeting: 'We need a vision'
Friday 15 May 2026 12:00 , Bryony GoochLabour MP for Kettering Rosie Wrighting backs “generational talent” Wes Streeting after his resignation as home secretary on Thursday.
She said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Wes as a PPS in the Health Department. He never shies away from the right principled decision, even in difficult times, and this letter shows no difference.
“Wes is a generational talent and it is with his leadership that we’ve seen the NHS on the road to recovery. The challenges that face our country are enormous. As an MP in my 20s, I feel that strongly. I know what it’s like to have living standards worse than our parents’, and I feel we owe my generation, and the one that comes after, everything.
“We must show that we can be better than this, that politics can change things for the good and offer people hope. Because if we don’t, we risk Reform UK and the divisive politics of Nigel Farage taking hold of this country.
“And it is only the Labour Party that can stop that from happening. We need a vision, an open debate of ideas about how we move forward from this moment, with the best field of candidates that our movement has.”
Analysis: Streeting plays nice with Burnham ahead of leadership race
Friday 15 May 2026 11:40 , Bryony GoochThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Wes Streeting has thrown his weight behind Andy Burnham in Makerfield, saying he is the "best chance of winning" the by-election.
His intervention sparked speculation that the former health secretary could pull out of the race and lend his support to Mr Burnham instead.
But, in the wake of his remarks, a Streeting campaign source told The Independent in no uncertain terms: "Wes will be a candidate when the contest comes".
In actual fact, Mr Streeting's intervention on Burnham seems more like an attempt to show he's a team player, and dispel any accusations of him being in it for himself.
Backing Burnham at this early stage is the former health secretary's clearest way of signalling that he has the party's best interests at heart.
But at his core, Mr Streeting is extremely ambitious - and its clear that when the time comes, he won't pull his punches.
Analysis: Why Makerfield will be a tough battleground for Labour in a by-election
Friday 15 May 2026 11:39 , Bryony GoochThe Independent’s senior reporter Dan Haygarth reports:
Andy Burnham will hope to return to parliament through a by-election in Makerfield, traditionally one of Labour’s safest seats, though Reform will more than fancy its chances.
Split between the towns of Wigan and Ashton-in-Makerfield in Greater Manchester, where Mr Burnham is mayor, it has been held by Labour since its 1983 creation and its predecessor - the constituency of Ince - had been red since 1906.
The seat takes its name from the in-Makerfield suffix of the towns of Ashton and Ince, found on the old Lancashire coalfields.
The constituency is also not far from Leigh, Mr Burnham’s parliamentary sit from 2001 to 2017.
Josh Simons, who stepped down as MP, was elected with a 5,399 majority over Reform at the 2024 general election, but Labour’s majority was as high as 26,000 after the 2005 general election.
At a by-election, Reform will pose a very serious threat to Labour, having made gains across Greater Manchester in last week’s council elections - but Mr Burnham will hope his record as Mayor of Greater Manchester and popularity will allow him to win.
He won 66 per cent of the vote in the borough of Wigan at the 2024 mayoral election and the boost his name on a ballot can give to Labour cannot be underestimated.
NEC officers not meeting until next, it is understood
Friday 15 May 2026 11:35 , Bryony GoochThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Officers from Labour's ruling NEC will not meet until next week, it is understood, meaning that a decision on whether Andy Burnham will be allowed to stand as a candidate in the Makerfield by-election is unlikely to be made today.
It comes despite reporting that some NEC officers could host an unofficial meeting today, ahead of Tuesday's official meeting.
How would a leadership contest work?
Friday 15 May 2026 11:30 , Bryony GoochAt least 20 per cent of Labour MPs would have to back a replacement candidate in order to trigger a leadership election. As there are 403, Labour MPs, the support of 81 would be needed.
Once triggered, other candidates could join the contest if they also have 81 backers.
The prime minister would automatically be on the ballot paper if he chose to enter the election; his premiership would also continue through the contest.
Party members and affiliated trade union supporters then vote by ranking candidates in order of preference.
If one candidate receives more than 50 per cent of first preferences, they will be declared the winner.
If not, the candidate who finishes bottom will be eliminated and the voters who put them as their number one will see their vote moved to the second choice.
The process of elimination continues until just one candidate receives more than half the votes.
Breaking: Streeting backs Burnham to stand in Makerfield by-election
Friday 15 May 2026 11:20 , Bryony GoochFormer health secretary Wes Streeting has said Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is “the best chance of winning” the Makerfield by-election for Labour and “that should override factional advantage or propping up one person”.
He said Labour needs “our best players on the pitch” and “Andy Burnham is one of them”.
In a post on X, he wrote: “We need our best players on the pitch. There is no doubt that Andy Burnham is one of them.
“The Makerfield by-election will be tough.
“Votes will need to be earned. Andy is the best chance of winning and that should override factional advantage or propping up one person.”
Starmer vows to ‘fight for the soul of this country’ as he bans far-right agitators entering the UK
Friday 15 May 2026 11:20 , Bryony GoochThe Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has warned the UK is in a “fight for the soul of this country” as the government bans far-right agitators from entering the UK to attend Tommy Robinson’s ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march this weekend.
The prime minister - who is facing a leadership crisis - accused organisers of the march of “peddling hatred and division, plain and simple”.
Eleven far-right agitators have been blocked from entering the country to attend the march, including US-based anti-Islam influencer Valentina Gomez.
“We’re in a fight for the soul of this country, and the Unite the Kingdom march this weekend is a stark reminder of exactly what we are up against,” Sir Keir, who met with police chiefs on Friday morning, said.
“We will block those coming into the UK who seek to incite hatred and violence. For anyone who sets out to wreak havoc on our streets, to intimidate or threaten anyone, you can expect to face the full force of the law.
“My government will always champion peaceful protest but will act decisively against hatred. We all have a responsibility to speak out against those spouting vile divisive views wherever we see it.
“We are a country built on decency, fairness and respect, at our best when people from different backgrounds come together in common purpose. That is what we must fight for.”
Police will face court action over facial recognition technology, watchdog warns
Friday 15 May 2026 11:00 , Bryony Gooch
Police will face court action over facial recognition technology, watchdog warns
Powell appeals to FBU for support in 'tough' Makerfield by-election
Friday 15 May 2026 10:56 , Bryony GoochThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Lucy Powell appealed to the FBU for support in the Makerfield by-election, admitting it is going to be a "tough by-election for us to win against Reform".
Labour's deputy leader, who said she has been asked to be the political lead in the campaign, said: "I'm really going to ask you, especially those of you in Greater Manchester and nearby: this is going to be a tough by-election for us to win against Reform, and if Andy is selected as the candidate in the coming days - let's see what happens there - we are going to need all of your help in that by-election.
"So if you will come along and help us there, I think that would be really great."
There will be 'no attempt' to block Burnham from standing as Makerfield candidate, Lucy Powell says
Friday 15 May 2026 10:50 , Bryony GoochThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Lucy Powell has said there is going to be "absolutely no attempt" to block Andy Burnham from standing as the Labour candidate in the Makerfield by-election.
Labour's deputy leader told the FBU conference: "The election results that we had recently in Labour Party were very difficult and painful, and the aftermath hasn't been all that edifying either.
“We could have further to fall as a party, and we absolutely need to come back together as one team, because we've got to take the fight to Farage. We are at real risk of Nigel Farage walking up Downing Street in a few years' time, and we can't let that happen."
She added: "We've got to do our politics differently. We've got to end the factionalism. We've got to embrace all the different traditions of the Labour Party, all the different voices, and bring one team back together, and that means having Andy Burnham as a key player in that team...
“I supported Andy last time he wanted to come back to parliament, and I fully support him wanting to come back to parliament again.
“And just to be clear, I've got it on good authority that there's going to be absolutely no attempt to stop him from doing that again, so we will have him as the candidate, I'm sure."
Lucy Powell admits Labour has 'made some mistakes' and 'doesn't get everything right'
Friday 15 May 2026 10:46 , Bryony GoochThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Lucy Powell has thanked the Fire Brigades Union for voting to remain affiliated with Labour, admitting that the party doesn't "always get everything right".
Addressing the FBU's conference, Labour's deputy leader said: "Can I just really underline my thanks for the vote and the decision that you took yesterday to continue your affiliation to the Labour Party. It does mean a huge amount to me and to the Labour Party in general.
“And look, I know that it wouldn't have been a straightforward decision, because we haven't got everything right.
“We don't always get everything right. We've made some mistakes as well. But I think it's worth just taking a moment to just think about the things that we have done together.
“Because of you, because of what you've done, because of the manifesto that you shaped for the Labour Party, and because you keep our feet to the fire and make sure that we deliver on those promises that we have made."
Polanski didn't vote in recent local elections as he was moving house
Friday 15 May 2026 10:30 , Bryony GoochGreen Party leader Zack Polanski has admitted he did not vote in recent local elections as he “fell short of time” to register while moving house.
In a statement to the Independent, a party spokesperson added Mr Polanski could not vote due to the extra steps needed to register to vote anonymously following recent “antisemitic and homophobic abuse”.
“Zack was unable to vote. He was in the process of moving and when that fell through, he moved in as a lodger in rented accommodation,” they said.
While a party spokesperson previously told The Times Mr Polanski may have used a postal vote, the party has since said this was a “miscommunication”.
The statement added: “He fell short of time to register at new place, especially given the extra process he would need to go through to register anonymously.
“Zack has recently had increased security concerns after being the target of antisemitic and homophobic abuse.”
Who could replace Starmer as prime minister? Here are the top contenders for a Labour leadership battle
Friday 15 May 2026 10:30 , Bryony GoochBond markets fretting over prospect of more left-leaning prime minister, warns analyst
Friday 15 May 2026 10:15 , Bryony GoochChris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at investing and trading platform IG, said bond markets were fretting over the possibility of a more left-leaning premier to lead government after Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham was offered a path back to Parliament when a Labour MP stood down.
It follows Wes Streeting’s move to resign as health secretary on Thursday and former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner’s path being smoothed for a potential challenge after she was cleared by HMRC of deliberate wrongdoing over her tax affairs.
Mr Beauchamp said: “Andy Burnham’s long quest to find someone to make space for him in Parliament has finally succeeded, but the prospect of the ‘King in the North’s’ return has not been good for UK borrowing costs.
“Worries about higher spending commitments have seen investors take flight from UK bonds.
“For a UK economy already facing a potential energy crisis, sapping growth, the rise in yields is particularly grim news.”
