Andy Burnham Secures Makerfield By-Election Victory
Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election, overcoming a significant challenge and clearing a major obstacle for a prospective Labour leadership bid.
In his victory speech, Burnham suggested his success could represent a turning point for the country, while committing not to treat the constituency as a mere stepping stone.
The former Greater Manchester mayor defeated Reform UK, which finished second but trailed Labour by more than 9,000 votes.
Meanwhile, in Scotland, the Scottish Conservatives captured Aberdeen South in a Westminster by-election for the first time in over 50 years, taking the seat from the SNP. The SNP retained Arbroath and Broughty Ferry in its by-election held overnight.
Burnham's Commitment to Makerfield
Burnham reassured constituents that he would remain dedicated to Makerfield as he transitions to Westminster.
"Everyone knows that politics isn't working," he said. "Everyone can feel that the country isn't where it should be.
"Tonight could just be a turning point.
"From hereon in I will give everything I have got to make it so, to ensure the name Makerfield is for ever synonymous with bringing about the change this country needs."
He added: "It [Makerfield] will never be a stepping stone to me but instead will be my touchstone."
Makerfield has been a Labour stronghold for 120 years. However, Labour invested heavily in the campaign following historic losses in May’s elections, where the party lost ground to Reform UK in English council elections.
Burnham’s victory over his closest rival, Robert Kenyon—a plumber and Reform councillor—came after Labour MP Josh Simons stepped down to enable Burnham to contest the seat.
Burnham needed to become an MP to mount a leadership challenge against the prime minister.
Calls for Labour Leadership Change
Prior to the result announcement, Burnham’s allies intensified calls for Sir Keir Starmer to step aside.
Former Cabinet minister Louise Haigh, who managed Burnham’s campaign, told the BBC she hoped the prime minister would reflect on the by-election outcome and the results from six weeks earlier.
"I hope that he will consider an orderly and managed transition."
However, the prime minister has repeatedly stated he has no plans to resign from No 10.
If Burnham proceeds with a leadership challenge as anticipated, it would be his third attempt. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting is also expected to enter the contest.
Any change in prime minister would mark the UK’s seventh prime minister within a decade.
SNP and Conservative Results in Scottish By-Elections
Douglas Lumsden won Aberdeen South for the Scottish Conservatives by a substantial margin, defeating the SNP. Reform UK placed third, pushing Labour into fourth place.
In his victory speech, Lumsden stated:
"The destruction of the North Sea oil and gas industry must stop now."
The seat had been held by SNP MP Stephen Flynn since 2019 but has seen shifts over recent years, with a Tory MP in 2017, SNP in 2015, and Labour’s Anne Begg from 1997 to 2015.
Lumsden will resign as North East MSP following his election to Westminster due to a Holyrood ban on dual mandates.
The by-election was triggered after Flynn relinquished his Westminster seat upon election as an MSP in May.
Similarly, SNP MP Stephen Gethins, also elected to Holyrood in May, vacated his Arbroath and Broughty Ferry seat at Westminster.
In that by-election, the SNP retained the seat with Lara Bird winning decisively by over 5,000 votes, followed by the Conservatives, Reform UK, and Labour, which had dropped from second place in the 2024 election.
Bird said: "The people of Arbroath and Broughty Ferry have rejected the politics of division and hate that some tried to sow.
"We have demonstrated that our community is inclusive, hopeful and proud."
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