The Guardian Politics

What next for Andy Burnham? Five key questions after Makerfield win

Labour veteran is expected to launch a leadership bid, but some critics feel he is yet to clarify his policy positionsUK politics – live updatesThis piece is extracted from our First Edition newsletter. To sign up, click hereAndy Burnham is heading back to the Commons after a resounding victory in Makerfield, putting Keir Starmer’s leadership on notice – and giving Reform something to think about. The – now to be former – mayor of Greater Manchester described it as the “most consequential byelec

politics  Jun 19, 2026

BBC Politics

Only Andy Burnham could beat us in Makerfield, Reform UK board member says

Reform UK's Dan Barker claimed his party would have beat "any other [Labour] candidate"

politics  Jun 19, 2026

The Guardian Politics

I saw all Reform’s weaknesses on display in Makerfield – Farage should be worried | John Harris

From a hopeless candidate to botched strategy, this latest byelection defeat is telling. But for Labour, there is still a long and arduous journey aheadThe day before the voters of Makerfield chose their new MP, I stood with my camera-wielding colleague John Domokos on the main road through the post-industrial town of Hindley. Every two or three minutes, a van or small truck drew level with us, and there it was again: a honked horn, and a full-throated shout of “Reform!”But on our side of the st

politics  Jun 19, 2026

BBC Politics

Watch: Andy Burnham delivers victory speech

Andy Burnham delivers his victory speech after Makerfiled by-election.

politics  Jun 19, 2026

BBC Politics

Andy Burnham's win means change at the top for Greater Manchester

Burnham victory in Makerfield means Greater Manchester must find a new regional mayor.

politics  Jun 19, 2026

BBC Politics

Andy Burnham's win means change at the top for Greater Manchester

Burnham victory in Makerfield means Greater Manchester must find a new regional mayor.

politics  Jun 19, 2026

BBC Politics

Voters want the PM gone - Reform UK's Tice

Reform's Richard Tice responds to the result of the Makerfield by-election.

politics  Jun 19, 2026

BBC Politics

'Imminent threat' to Starmer after Burnham's win

What Andy Burnham's win in the Makerfield by-election means for the prime minister.

politics  Jun 19, 2026

The Guardian Politics

This major Makerfield victory has made it inevitable: it’s now time for Keir Starmer to step aside | Neal Lawson

Andy Burnham’s positive vision has struck a powerful blow to Reform – but the PM risks diminishing the impact by clinging on in No 10Neal Lawson is director of the cross-party campaign organisation CompassThat tingle of emotion you felt when you awoke today? That is the long-lost feeling of progressive hope. That it comes from Makerfield is all the more remarkable. Reform has been defeated in a seat that it should have won at a canter – trailing Labour, even when its voteshare is combined with t

politics  Jun 19, 2026

BBC Politics

Burnham's won, how long will Starmer carry on?

Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election raises questions about Keir Starmer future as PM.

politics  Jun 19, 2026

BBC Politics

Chris Mason: Burnham's emphatic win leaves Starmer and Labour MPs with big decision

The PM will see the stonking scale of Andy Burnham's victory - will it shift his outlook, his defiance, so frequently recently expressed?

politics  Jun 19, 2026

BBC Politics

Sir John Curtice: Burnham's win represents remarkable personal success for him

Andy Burnham not only retained the share of the vote Labour won in the seat in 2024 but increased it.

politics  Jun 19, 2026

BBC Politics

Sir John Curtice: Burnham's win against Reform represents remarkable personal success

Andy Burnham not only retained the share of the vote Labour won in the seat in 2024 but increased it.

politics  Jun 19, 2026

The Guardian Politics

‘There will be no second chance’: Burnham’s Makerfield victory speech sets stage for a Starmer drama

There were no wild celebrations or champagne corks popping after the byelection because the result felt like the start of a whole new campaignUK politics – live updatesAndy Burnham wins huge majority in Makerfield byelection, paving way for Starmer leadership challengeWhile an election count normally feels like an ending, the culmination of long campaign, in Makerfield the declaration of Andy Burnham as the constituency’s new MP felt like just the beginning.In the days and weeks leading up to po

politics  Jun 19, 2026

BBC Politics

Burnham says 'this is a final chance to change' in his victory speech

Labour's Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election, paving the way for him to challenge Keir Starmer as Labour Party leader.

politics  Jun 19, 2026

BBC Politics

Watch: Who is Andy Burnham?.. in 90 seconds

The former Mayor of Greater Manchester won the Makerfield by-election - paving the way to challenge Starmer.

politics  Jun 19, 2026

BBC Politics

Burnham says his win in Makerfield by-election could be turning point

The outgoing Greater Manchester mayor held off a challenge from Reform UK, behind by more than 9,000 votes.

politics  Jun 19, 2026

The Guardian Politics

Tired of Iran, Trump refocuses on Ukraine – podcast

Donald Trump has signed a 14-point agreement with Iran, trying to bring an end to a war he helped start. Satisfied his work is done in the Middle East, Trump now wants to move onto peace in Ukraine. But is it that easy?Jenna Amatulli speaks to the Guardian’s Andrew Roth about the chances this peace deal will succeed, and why Trump is turning his attention back to UkraineArchive: AP, Reuters Continue reading...

politics  Jun 19, 2026

BBC Politics

Scottish Conservatives win first Westminster by-election in more than 50 years

The Tories take Aberdeen South, while the SNP wins in Arbroath and Broughty Ferry.

politics  Jun 19, 2026

The Guardian Politics

Andy Burnham wins Makerfield byelection, paving way for Starmer leadership challenge

Greater Manchester mayor beats Reform UK and hardline Restore Britain to return to Westminster after nine yearsUK politics – live updatesAndy Burnham has won the crucial Makerfield byelection by a huge majority, paving the way for a challenge to Keir Starmer’s premiership.The Greater Manchester mayor beat the Reform UK candidate, Robert Kenyon, and the new hardline Restore Britain party. Continue reading...

politics  Jun 19, 2026