Labour candidate Andy Burnham secured a decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election on June 18. The win positions the Greater Manchester mayor to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for party leadership.
Burnham captured nearly 55 percent of the vote in the North West England constituency, far ahead of Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon at 34 percent. Restore Britain placed third with 7 percent.
The result, announced early on June 19, gives Burnham a parliamentary seat and a platform to push for Starmer's exit. Burnham told supporters the outcome could mark a turning point for the country.
Starmer congratulated Burnham on social media but reaffirmed his intent to remain in office. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the two men would need to discuss next steps in the coming days.
Burnham is scheduled to be sworn in as a lawmaker on June 22 and is expected to seek support from Labour MPs for a leadership contest.
