Published: June 19, 2026 | TrenBuzz.com
Key Points – Andy Burnham Wins Makerfield
- Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election with 54.8% of votes
- He is now MP for Makerfield and has resigned as Greater Manchester Mayor
- Reform UK came second with 34.5%, Restore Britain third at 6.8%
- Burnham openly signals a Labour leadership challenge against PM Keir Starmer
- Deputy Mayor Paul Dennett steps in as acting Mayor of Greater Manchester
One of Britain’s most-watched political moments just played out in a post-industrial corner of northwest England. Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election with 54.8% of the vote, comfortably beating Reform UK’s Rob Kenyon who took 34.5%, and Restore Britain’s Rebecca Shepherd on 6.8%.
The by-election was triggered on May 14, 2026, when MP Josh Simons resigned his seat specifically to allow Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, a route back into Parliament amid the ongoing Labour leadership crisis.
Burnham, often hailed as the “King of the North,” says he will now challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party, with Starmer currently ranked as the least popular British leader on record.
In a direct message to Labour MPs after his victory, Burnham said: “This is a final chance to change.”
With Burnham now an MP, Deputy Mayor Paul Dennett steps in as acting Mayor of Greater Manchester until a mayoral by-election is held.
British politics just got a whole lot more interesting.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. TrenBuzz.com does not endorse any political party or candidate. Readers are encouraged to verify details through official sources.