In a bustling pub at the heart of Ashton-in-Makerfield, discussions are ablaze regarding the potential candidacy of Andy Burnham, who could be the next Member of Parliament, and even Prime Minister. Locals are split on whether the “Burnham effect” will be sufficient to fend off the challenge posed by Reform, amidst evident discontent with Keir Starmer’s government but a strong admiration for Burnham stemming from his tenure as Greater Manchester Mayor.
Burnham has declared his bid for the Makerfield by-election following the resignation of Josh Simons MP. Despite being the favorite with bookies at 4/6 odds, recent local elections saw Reform clinch 50.4% of the vote, leaving Labour trailing at 22.7%.
Acknowledging Burnham’s resilience during the Covid crisis, where he earned the moniker ‘King of the North’ for his steadfast advocacy for Greater Manchester, and his commendable service as MP in Leigh, locals express mixed sentiments. While some, like John McDonald, who switched allegiance from Labour to Reform, perceive Burnham as a compelling choice for his potential to sway voters back, others like Bill Addison regard him highly for his integrity and dedication to Manchester.
Despite the challenges posed by a historically strong Labour majority in Makerfield and Reform’s recent surge, Burnham remains resolute in his decision to contest the by-election, driven by a deep-rooted commitment to the community. His ambition to bring about transformative change at a national level echoes his accomplishments in Greater Manchester, resonating with constituents seeking a fresh perspective in politics.
The road to parliamentary comeback for Burnham is laden with obstacles, including a rigorous campaign against Reform and the need to garner support from Labour MPs to challenge for the top leadership position. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer faces internal dissent within the party following disappointing election outcomes, setting the stage for a potential showdown between Burnham and Starmer for the party’s leadership.
As Burnham embarks on his journey back to national politics, his message of revitalizing Labour and restoring faith in the party resonates with a populace disillusioned by past political failures. Amidst a backdrop of shifting allegiances and discontent, the Makerfield by-election emerges as a pivotal moment in shaping the future political landscape, with Burnham at the helm of a potential transformation.