Final Campaign Efforts in Makerfield By-Election
Candidates are making their final appeals to voters in the Makerfield by-election, a contest that may influence the future leadership of the Labour Party and the next prime minister.
Labour candidate and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is anticipated to challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership if he successfully regains a parliamentary seat in Thursday's poll.
Burnham's main competitor in the race is Reform UK's Robert Kenyon, a plumber and local councillor, who finished second in the constituency during the 2024 general election.
Limited opinion polls conducted in the area indicate Burnham is leading; however, the contest is expected to remain competitive.
Reform UK secured all local seats in recent elections, and party leader Nigel Farage has been actively canvassing in the constituency to support Kenyon as the four-week campaign nears its conclusion.
Candidate Profiles and Campaign Issues
Kenyon has highlighted his working-class background and local ties but has faced scrutiny over previous social media posts concerning Brexit, abortion, and Ukraine.
When questioned about these past statements, Kenyon told BBC's Chris Mason that he is not a "career politician" and believes constituents would "feel listened to" if he were elected MP.
The by-election was prompted by the resignation of former Makerfield MP Josh Simons, who stepped down to enable Burnham to contest the seat and return to Westminster.
Burnham has emphasized his local roots, having grown up in the constituency, though opponents accuse him of using the election as a stepping stone to Number 10 Downing Street.
He has pledged to make Westminster "work" for Makerfield and similar communities, which he asserts have been neglected for too long. Burnham is scheduled to address supporters at an eve-of-poll rally.
The prime minister has cautioned Burnham and Labour that a leadership challenge would be detrimental to the country and affirmed his intention to contest any such challenge.
"I hope he wins the by-election and he'll play a big part in the Labour government," the prime minister said, also indicating he might offer Burnham a cabinet position if victorious.
Other Parties and Candidates
Restore Britain, a newly established party founded by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe, is contesting its first by-election in Makerfield. The party has polled third, ahead of the Conservatives, Greens, and Liberal Democrats.
Restore Britain's candidate, local businesswoman Rebecca Shepherd, has pledged to "put Makerfield first" and advocate for the party's national priorities, including "reversing mass immigration" and "rewarding British workers" if elected.
Conservative candidate Michael Winstanley, a former mayor of Wigan, is campaigning on promises to regenerate high streets and reduce road congestion.
Liberal Democrat Jake Austin, a councillor from nearby Stockport, is focusing on local issues and presenting a "sensible alternative" to Labour and Reform UK.
Green Party candidate Sarah Wakefield, a Manchester City Council councillor, was selected after the party's initial candidate, Chris Kennedy, withdrew from the race.
Wakefield's message to Makerfield voters is to "don't vote in anger, vote in hope."
A complete list of candidates contesting the by-election is available here.
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