Andy Burnham secured a resounding victory in Makerfield, triumphing with over 9,000 votes and significantly boosting Labour’s margin while pushing Reform into a distant second place.
Despite speculation about the influence of Rupert Lowe’s far-right Restore party on Reform’s decline, Burnham garnered more votes than all his competitors combined.
This win marks a significant milestone for the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, granting him a return to the Commons to challenge Keir Starmer for leadership and showcasing the effectiveness of his strategy to both the public and Labour MPs.
Although Makerfield has traditionally been a Labour stronghold, Reform gained control in the recent local council elections, making it a challenging battleground for Labour amidst the Government’s declining popularity.
Burnham’s substantial victory not only underscores his ability to defeat Reform and Farage, as demonstrated in Makerfield, but also positions him as a formidable contender for the Prime Ministerial role in the future.
While some may argue that a by-election does not equate to a general election, Burnham’s popularity in Greater Manchester likely played a crucial role in his success, raising questions about his potential performance in other regions.
The Prime Minister remains resolute in his position and is actively engaging in governance duties, viewing his general election triumph as a personal mandate. Nonetheless, behind the scenes, preparations are underway to counter potential leadership challenges.
The upcoming days hold significance as Burnham’s camp aims to avoid a contentious leadership battle, pushing for an agreed departure timetable for the current PM. However, challenges from within Labour, including Wes Streeting’s aspirations and the prospect of unexpected contenders, add complexity to the political landscape.
The defeat in Makerfield marks another setback for Reform, following previous losses to the Greens, casting doubts on Farage’s ambitions. Soul-searching is not exclusive to Labour, as Reform faces setbacks despite intense efforts to secure victories in crucial by-elections.