Bev Craig’s triumphant victory speech at Manchester’s Co-op Live marked the successful outcome of the Makerfield gamble. This morning, Craig wakes up as the newly crowned Queen of the North, having decisively defeated Reform’s Sian Astley by a margin of 66.3% to 33.7% after two rounds of voting.
The winner of the largest by-election in British electoral history will now play a crucial role in the future of devolution. Moreover, this moment is significant in the biopic ‘The Rise and Fall of Nigel Farage’.
Just 11 weeks ago, doubts surrounded Andy Burnham’s chances in Makerfield, with some Labour MPs and pundits skeptical of his victory. However, with Josh Simons strategically resigning his seat in what was termed ‘The Makerfield Gambit’, today’s outcome is a clear win.
Burnham and Craig, hailing from Liverpool and Belfast respectively, now share a common purpose. With Burnham leading the country and Craig overseeing the largest mayoral authority outside London, along with a substantial £3 billion budget, the power dynamics have shifted significantly.
Labour voters have shown strong support, reclaiming wins in areas that previously favored Reform during local elections. Manchester’s resurgence under Burnham’s leadership is akin to Liam Gallagher’s swagger at the 1995 Brit Awards, while Farage’s struggles are evident in his isolated battles on Clacton’s beach.
The contrasting by-elections in Clacton and Manchester represent a shift in power versus a dwindling spectacle. Craig’s victory as the first female and LGBTQ+ Mayor of Manchester City Council is a significant milestone, especially considering the potential alternative scenario with Reform in control.
The announcement of Burnham’s candidacy for Makerfield marked a pivotal moment in British politics, symbolizing a leap of faith akin to the sentiment in New Order’s song ‘True Faith’ that resonates with his campaign.
As Farage faces challenges and controversies, the future remains uncertain. The upcoming by-election may hold the key to his political fate.