Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has won a crucial by-election in northern England, strengthening his chances of challenging UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the leadership of the Labour Party.
Burnham defeated his closest rival, Robert Kenyon of Reform UK, in the Makerfield constituency, securing the parliamentary seat needed to launch a possible bid for prime minister.
He won 24,927 votes, beating Kenyon by more than 9,000 votes. Other candidates finished behind them, including representatives from Restore Britain, the Conservative Party, the Green Party, and the Liberal Democrats.
Speaking after his victory, Burnham said the result could become a turning point for the country and promised to work for political change.
The victory has increased pressure on Starmer, who has faced criticism over his leadership and declining public support. Some Labour members have called for a change in leadership following poor election results.
However, Starmer congratulated Burnham and said he would not step down. He insisted he would contest any future Labour leadership election.
Political analysts say Burnham could become a strong contender to replace Starmer if a leadership contest takes place.
Burnham, known as the “king of the north” because of his popularity in northern England, has criticised Britain’s political system for focusing too much on London and has promised to reform Labour.
The by-election was triggered after former Labour MP Josh Simons resigned his seat, allowing Burnham to enter Parliament and challenge for the party leadership.
The result marks another challenge for Starmer, who became prime minister after Labour’s major election victory in 2024.
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