Andy Burnham has been cleared by Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to seek selection as the party's candidate for the Makerfield by-election, potentially setting up a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer. The seat became vacant on Thursday when Labour MP Josh Simons resigned to make way for Burnham.
Key Takeaways
Andy Burnham has been cleared to seek selection as Labour's candidate for the Makerfield by-election, potentially challenging Sir Keir Starmer's leadership. The seat became vacant after Josh Simons' resignation.
- Andy Burnham cleared by Labour’s NEC to run in Makerfield by-election
- By-election expected on 18 June
- Burnham aims to challenge Starmer if elected and become prime minister before the autumn party conference
- Makerfield is a traditionally safe Labour seat but saw significant gains for Reform UK in recent local elections
- Some Labour members argue leadership rules should not be tweaked to allow Burnham's candidacy
Burnham's backers in parliament were desperate as almost all likely contenders ruled themselves out, with only a few of his closest advisers knowing about the upcoming seat opportunity. The by-election is expected to take place on 18 June. Some of Burnham's supporters believe he has a path to becoming prime minister before parliament breaks for the summer recess.
Burnham’s route back to parliament was opened up by Simons' resignation after other contenders backed away from challenging Starmer. If selected and victorious in Makerfield, Burnham is expected to challenge Starmer for the position of prime minister. Burnham aims to become prime minister in time to address Labour’s autumn party conference in Liverpool.
The Makerfield constituency is home to around 76,000 voters in the suburbs of Wigan and nearby former mining towns and villages. It has been a safe Labour seat since its creation in 1983 but recently saw Reform UK sweep the board in local council elections. This electoral shift complicates Labour's path in the North West, where they lost 222 seats across the region in recent local elections.
Burnham’s supporters highlight his experience in cabinet, parliament, and on the ground improving buses, lowering prices, getting people jobs, and helping with apprenticeships. However, some Labour NEC members argue that leadership rules should not be tweaked to allow Burnham to run, stating that it is physically impossible for him to participate in a contest starting right now.
Despite these challenges, Burnham's supporters remain optimistic about his chances. They believe his strong personal brand and experience will help him overcome Reform UK's influence in the area. However, if Burnham loses the by-election to Reform, his political ambitions could be significantly hampered.
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