Andy Burnham launches plot to oust Starmer hour after win
Makerfield by-election LIVE: Andy Burnham launches plot to oust Starmer hour after win
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has won a crunch by-election in Makerfield, paving the way for him to challenge Sir Keir Starmer.
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Add us as preferred source Comments live By Steph Spyro, Deputy political editor and envionment editor, Michael Knowles, Home Affairs and Defence Editor, Aaron Newbury, Political Correspondent, David Williamson, Chief Political Commentator 12:34, Fri, Jun 19, 2026 Updated: 12:34, Fri, Jun 19, 2026 
Andy Burnham has launched his bid to oust Sir Keir Starmer at a rally in Makerfield as he said his win now could "open up the space for the real change the people of this constituency deserve."
In his most direct hint yet that he would seek to remove Sir Keir from office he lavished praise on Josh Simons, who stepped back from the seat, saying he had done so for "the right reasons".
"We've got to now take this moment to now answer the challenges that have been laid down," he says. Mr Burnham says "we need an economy that works for everybody" instead of a few people far away, as he calls for a reduction in energy bills, water bills and train fares.
Mr Burnham, a Cambridge graduate, railed against the education system saying it must not be "dominated by the University route" and must focus instead on getting people in work.
It comes justv hours after Andy Burnham won a crunch by-election in a major blow to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The Greater Manchester Mayor is now set to challenge the Labour leader for the top job in Government.
Mr Burnham won the vote by 9,231 votes, seeing off the challenge from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
Around 45,000 people went to the ballot box in the by-election on Thursday, with the results announced just after 3am on Friday.
This is a live blog. Please follow below for more updates.
5 days ago12:34 Michael KnowlesLabour 'obsessed' with internal party drama
Labour is “obsessed” with internal party “drama”, Kemi Badenoch said, as she urged the UK Government to instead focus on issues such as energy and security.
The Conservative leader urged the Labour Government to back new drilling in the North Sea – calling for the controversial Jackdaw and Rosebank developments to be given the go-ahead.
This, she argued, would boost the UK’s national security, insisting the country needs to “drill our own oil in the North Sea, not take oil from Russia”.
She made the plea as she celebrated the Conservatives’ victory in the Aberdeen South by-election after the party dramatically won the seat from the SNP.
The Tories had focused their campaign on the future of the North Sea oil and gas industry – much of which is based in the city – making a “referendum” on the issued.
Speaking in Aberdeen on Friday with new MP Douglas Lumsden, Mrs Badenoch said: “What this means is that we have won that referendum on oil and gas.
“Aberdeen has sent a message to the Labour Government and to the SNP that we will not be ignored, Aberdeen will not be ignored, the centre will not be ignored.”
5 days ago11:25 Aaron Newbury'Energy security is national security'
"The Makerfield by-election was about one man's job," Kemi Badenoch says. "This was about thousands," she adds, pointing to her party's demands to reopen the North Sea oil and gas sector.
"Energy security is national security," she adds.
5 days ago11:24 David WilliamsonLabour and Reform now tied by the bookies
Labour and Reform are now tied in the betting to win the moist seats by William Hill.
They are both on 13/8, ahead of the Conservatives (9/2), Restore Britain (8/1) and the Greens (16/1).
Spokesperson Lee Phelps, said:
Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more Invalid email“Andy Burnham’s comprehensive victory in yesterday’s Makerfield by-election now puts Labour neck-and-neck with Reform UK for who will win the next General Election. Both parties now hold odds of 13/8 to form the next government in what was already a tightly contested market, with Labour coming in from 15/8 yesterday.
“All signs point to Burnham becoming the next Prime Minister too – he’s our overwhelming 1/12 favourite for the job, way ahead of Ed Miliband (22/1). Wes Streeting is priced at 25/1 to be next PM, with the market suggesting the former Health Secretary has little chance of halting Burnham’s run to oust Keir Starmer from No10.”
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5 days ago11:24 Aaron Newbury'Thank you for fighting a campaign with integrity'
Kemi Badenoch is speaking at a post-election rally in Aberdeen South, where she is thanking campaigners.
"You have all been fantastic," she says to applause. "Thank you for fighting a campaign with integrity," Kemi tells her winning candidate.
5 days ago11:16 Aaron Newbury'Starmer needs to wake up and smell the coffee'
Luke Chartes MP has told Starmer to "wake up and smell the coffee" a Labour MP has said, whilst ruling out the need for an early general election.
The MP added that they had a "manifesto to deliver", a manifesto that Mr Burnham did not stand on, saying instead they though Labour should serve out the next three years of their term.
5 days ago10:57 Aaron Newbury'I will work relentlessly' says Burnham
"I will work relentlessly to make what the people voted for here, happen," he said. Mr Burnham has made a long speech about the need to change British politics.
5 days ago10:55 Aaron Newbury'We need change from the Home Office'
We need a "change to, from the Home Office" he added, calling for an end to "HMO Britain". Mr Burnham says that "these are the calls that we have got hear" as he says the country needs a "new path".
5 days ago10:54 Aaron NewburyBurnham lays out his plan
"We've got to now take this moment to now answer the challenges that have been laid down," he says. Mr Burnham says "we need an economy that works for everybody" instead of a few people far away, as he calls for a reduction in energy bills, water bills and train fares.
He calls for an end to "trickle down economics" and a new drive to reindustrialise the North of England, alongside a massive change in Whitehall procurement to back British business.
Mr Burnham adds that education must not be "dominated by the University route" and must focus instead on getting people in work.
5 days ago10:52 Aaron NewburyBurnham thanks MP who resigned for him to stand
Mr Burnham has thanked Josh Simons for resigning his seat saying "this wasn't and couldn't be business and usual" after the May elections.
Josh Simons resigned his seat so that Mr Burnham could try and run for Prime Minister. "I know you did it for all of the right reasons," he added.
"It does now open up the space for the real change the people of this constituency deserve," he adds to applause.
5 days ago10:50 Aaron NewburyBurnham thanks campaign staff and supporters
"Thank you all so much," he begins as he thanks the local community for backing him. He praises local residents for putting up with the election in the last few weeks.
"This campaign was won by a band of strong northern power women," he adds, thanking an assortment of Labour MPs he says ran the campaign for him.
5 days ago10:47 Aaron NewburyAndy arrives
Andy Burnham takes to the podium to cheers and applause from supporters. He has changed out of his usual dark clothing and is wearing a white shirt, in what may be a campaign first.
5 days ago10:46 Aaron NewburyBurnham rally begins
Andy Burnham arrives for his post-election rally, with Louise Haigh MP. Supporters are holding "Andy, For Us" posters and waiting for Mr Burnham to speak.
"He could hardly have found a more difficult seat to challenge," Ms Haigh says as she adds Mr Burnham fought a campaign of "hope" and "optimism."
5 days ago10:40 Aaron NewburyStarmer: 'Leadership race would plunge us into chaos'
Sir Keir Starmer has said a leadership contest would “plunge us into chaos” and that Labour needs to now “pull together” for the by-election to replace Andy Burnham as Greater Manchester Mayor.
He told reporters: “There isn’t a leadership contest at the moment, there isn’t one at the moment, but as I’ve said on many, many occasions, I don’t think that’s a good thing for the country, to plunge us into chaos.
“I would also add that now that Andy has won which is really important, really good, he’s a huge asset to us, that now there will inevitably be a Manchester mayoralty by-election starting straight away.
“It’s important that we pull together for that, but if there is a contest, just to be clear with you, then yes, I will run.”
5 days ago10:15 Aaron NewburyStarmer: 'I will stand'
Sir Keir Starmer has said he will fight any potential leadership challenge if a contest is triggered following Andy Burnham’s election to Parliament.
Speaking to reporters at an event in north London, Sir Keir said: “If there is a contest, then yes, I will stand.
“I have said repeatedly, I am not going to walk away from that."
5 days ago10:10 David WilliamsonTories cockahoop in Scotland
There's real excitement in Conservative circles at the result in Aberdeen, where the Tories won a Scottish by-election for the first time since 1967. Not only did they beat the SNP, Labour's vote share fell by nearly 20 points in what is seen as an emphatic rejection of the party's oil and gas policies.
A euphoric Scottish Tory quips: "It's taken us almost as long to gain a seat in a Scottish by-election as it has for England to win the World Cup again."
Of course, England's victory in the World Cup is by no means in the bag. But what a moment it would for whoever is PM at that time to welcome a world-beating squad to Downing Street...
5 days ago09:30 Aaron Newbury'Time is running short and a change of direction at the very top is needed'
TSSA general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust has claimed that Andy Burnham's "victory is a mandate for a change in direction right at the top of the Labour Party."
The Union Baron added that the "win was delivered through a mass trade union-backed campaign that offered people hope for their communities."
They said: "Andy’s victory shows that Labour can win, even in challenging political terrain, when we are prepared to stand with working people and offer a message of hope and change.
"Time is running short and a change of direction at the very top is needed if Labour is to rebuild trust and have any realistic prospect of success at the next general election."
5 days ago08:44 Aaron NewburyBoris welcomes Aberdeen win
Boris Johnson has hailed the Conservative win in Aberdeen: "Shows the advantage of campaigning with a clear economic message"
5 days ago08:31 Aaron NewburyFantastic result for Conservatives in Aberdeen. Shows the advantage of campaigning with a clear economic message. A great omen.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) June 19, 2026
Farage urges Restore voters to 'think again'
Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage said he was “disappointed” with the party’s vote share as it came second to Labour in the Makerfield by-election and urged people who voted for Restore Britain to “think again”.
5 days ago07:57 Aaron NewburyMy response to the Makerfield by-election result. pic.twitter.com/aESL0zbDKm
— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) June 19, 2026
Badenoch: 'Makerfield was about one man’s job. Aberdeen South was about thousands of jobs'
Kemi Badenoch said the Conservative victory in Aberdeen South demonstrated people in the constituency cared about jobs in the North Sea and energy security.
The Tory leader sought to contrast the win with Andy Burnham’s overnight by-election victory in a post on social media, writing: "Makerfield was about one man’s job. Aberdeen South was about thousands of jobs in oil and gas across our country, and the future of an entire city.
"Yesterday, the people of Aberdeen sent a message on behalf of the whole country. Energy security is national security. They know it is common sense to use our own oil and gas rather than importing it from overseas.
"They know it is madness to make ourselves poorer, weaker and more dependent at a time when even the Government’s own intelligence says we are under threat.
"The first duty of any Government is to keep its people safe. The Conservative Party will always put Britain’s security first."
5 days ago07:48 Aaron NewburyBurnham win is 'proof Labour must change'
Andy Burnham’s victory in the Makerfield by-election is proof that Labour needs to change to win, Wes Streeting said, signalling he wants to see Sir Keir Starmer ousted following the vote.
Writing on social media site X, Mr Streeting said: “Huge congratulations to Andy Burnham on an astonishing victory in Makerfield, where Labour lost badly only weeks ago.
“It gives us all hope that Labour can still win, but Andy’s campaign is proof that to do so we need to change.
“Enormous thanks to everyone involved.”
5 days ago07:47 Aaron NewburyHuge congratulations to @AndyBurnhamGM on an astonishing victory in Makerfield, where Labour lost badly only weeks ago.
— Wes Streeting (@wesstreeting) June 19, 2026
It gives us all hope that Labour can still win, but Andy\u2019s campaign is proof that to do so we need to change.
Enormous thanks to everyone involved.
Burnham 'just more Keir Starmer with a northern accent'
Andy Burnham is "just more Keir Starmer with a northern accent" the Green Party have claimed.
In a statement issued following the Makerfield by-election, the party welcomed "the defeat of Reform’s divisive and misogynist campaign" and praised their candidate, Sarah Wakefield.
"We are an island of belonging, not strangers," the spokesman said in a swipe at Reform UK as they demanded that the Prime Minister "now needs to go".
They added that "if Andy Burnham replaces him, we don't really know what we are going to get" and pointed to a series of u-turns and what the Green Party said was "his denial of genocide in Gaza" which "raises the real prospect he will turn out to be just more Keir Starmer with a northern accent."
5 days ago07:41 Aaron NewburyLabour Minister says there should be no leadership race
"We know that we need change," Steve Reed has said "because we saw what happened in the local elections."
He blamed the Conservative Party for "flatlining the economy" which he said had led to people not having a "real term payrise" in two decades.
Mr Reed denied that the change Mr Burnham was talking about in his victory speech was about Labour, instead referring to the Conservative Party.
He urged people not to "turn in on themselves", and focus on fixing the issues across the country.
5 days ago07:35 Aaron NewburyLabour should focus on winning Mayoralty not on the leadership, says Minister
Communities Secretary Steve Reed, a close ally of Sir Keir Starmer, welcomed Andy Burnham’s victory in the Makerfield by-election but said Labour should now be focused on replacing him as mayor of Greater Manchester, rather than a leadership fight.
Mr Reed said he was “delighted” by the Labour candidate’s victory in Makerfield.
Asked by Times Radio what would happen next, the Communities Secretary replied: “First of all, I think Andy’s going to need a bit of family time because by-elections are incredibly stressful and intense, but what will happen next is Andy is no longer the mayor of Greater Manchester, so there will be a by-election for that position.
“We saw from the result in Makerfield this is going to be a straight Labour-Reform fight. We cannot risk the biggest regional politician in England going over to Reform because of all the division that they would want to sow across the north-west of England, all the damage that they will want to do.
“So all of us in the party celebrate Andy’s victory now, but we need to come together and make sure we win that by-election for the next mayor of Greater Manchester.”
Asked if he believed Mr Burnham would be better at delivering Labour’s agenda in Government than Sir Keir, Mr Reed said: “There is no one person that can make the challenges of Government easier. We’ve got to get the balance right between growing the economy and investing in our public services that were broken.”
5 days ago07:20 Aaron NewburyHarman: 'It's hard to tell Wes, Keir and Burnham apart'
"We cannot have a male beauty parade again," Harriet Harman has said as she urged the three men wanting to be Labour leader to agree a way forward.
She urged there also to be a woman in the process, as she blasted her own party for having too many men at the top.
Baroness Harmam said that Wes Streeting, Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham needed to agree on a way to have the contest quickly, she told the BBC.
But she warned that their policies were so similar "It would be difficult for you to work out [...] which was which."
5 days ago07:11 Aaron NewburyRayner: Makerfield has voted for hope
Angela Rayner has congratulated Andy Burnham, saying Makerfield had "voted for hope":
5 days ago06:57 Aaron NewburyCongratulations @AndyBurnhamGM \ud83c\udf39
— Angela Rayner (@AngelaRayner) June 19, 2026
The people of Makerfield voted for hope. pic.twitter.com/iHzPGw4RwO
Starmer must 'do the right thing and step down'
Starmer must "do the right thing and step down" the boss of a trade union has demanded after the Makerfield by-election win.
Sharon Graham, head of Unite, said that there was "absolutely no doubt that over the last two years workers and the working class have fallen out of love with Labour."
She added: "The win for Andy Burnham in Makerfield is a glimmer of hope but it must not be taken as a business as usual mandate."
Ms Graham said: "It is clear that there now needs to be an orderly timetable for a leadership election and Keir Starmer must do the right thing and step down. The inevitable leadership election must be fought on real change and policies. Not personalities or better speeches."
5 days ago06:10 Aaron NewburyStarmer welcomes Burnham victory
Sir Keir Starmer has congratulated rival Andy Burnham for his win in Makerfield, despite Mr Burnham being after his job.
The Prime Minister, who did not head to Makerfield once over the course of the by-election, is widely expected to face a leadership challenge from Mr Burnham.
He said voters backed "Labour’s campaign of hope and optimism over division and hate" in a brief note welcoming the win.
5 days ago05:53 Aaron NewburySenior Ministers lavish praise on Burnham
History is "in the making" a Cabinet minister has said just moments after Andy Burnham swept to victory in Makerfield.
Lisa Nandy, one of Sir Keir Starmer's inner circle of top ministers, said that Mr Burnham had "shown here is that there is something that he brings, a willingness to go out and fight for the change that people need, to take on any system and any person who stands in the way and to be bold and to wear his heart on his sleeve, and people have responded."
The Greater Manchester Mayor, who was previously in Government under Labour before he became Mayor, was welcomed by the Minister who added: "I think that with him back in the top team, at the top table, helping to drive that change, I think we’ll be in a really strong position."
6 days ago05:24 Steph SpyroFight to replace Keir Starmer is on
Steph Spyro's snap analysis from inside the count in Wigan.
'The fight is on' to replace Starmer after Burnham win
6 days ago05:11 Steph SpyroBurnham: This could be 'turning point'
Watch part of Andy Burnham's victory speech here:
Burnham: This could be the 'turning point' after by-election victory
6 days ago04:45 Steph SpyroMakerfield by-election result: Key numbers and historical trends
Andy Burnham won more than half of all votes cast in the Makerfield by-election, comfortably beating the combined total for second and third place parties Reform UK and Restore Britain.
The now-former Greater Manchester mayor won 54.8% of the votes cast, outperforming all the opinion polls published during the campaign, none of which placed him above 50%.
Reform candidate Rob Kenyon won 34.5% of the vote, while Restore Britain’s Rebecca Shepherd won 6.8%, which together come to 41.3%.
Mr Burnham’s vote share was also higher than the figure achieved by his predecessor Josh Simons at the 2024 general election, which was 45.2%, and ranks as Labour’s best performance in the seat since 2017.
Mr Kenyon’s 34.5% of the vote represents Reform’s second best performance at a Westminster by-election to date, behind only the contest in Runcorn and Helsby in 2025, where his party got 38.7% – which was enough to win the seat from Labour.
Both Labour and Reform finished well ahead of all other parties in Makerfield.
6 days ago04:25 Steph SpyroTories get second lowest share of vote at Westminster by-election since the Second World War
Conservative candidate Michael Winstanley won 2.2% of the vote in Makerfield – the Tories’ second lowest share of the vote at a Westminster by-election since the Second World War.
The lowest occurred a few months ago at the Gorton and Denton by-election in February, when the Tories won 1.9% of the vote.
Reform candidate Rob Kenyon won 34.5% of the vote in Makerfield, his party’s second best performance at a Westminster by-election, close behind the outcome at Runcorn and Helsby in 2025 (38.7%).
Burnham says he's going for a celebratory pint after win
Andy Burnham left the count almost immediately after his speech.
As he got into a car with his his wife and daughter he said he was going for a “pint”.
6 days ago04:07 Steph SpyroPolling guru issues warning to Burnham after huge victory
Polling expert Sir John Curtice said Andy Burnham’s Makerfield victory was not likely to lead to a nationwide surge in Labour’s popularity.
Speaking on the BBC, he said: “Can this be replicated elsewhere? First thing to note, between them the Conservatives, the Greens and the Liberal Democrats got no more than 3% of the vote.
“I think one has to say that there are two crucial elements to Mr Burnham’s success. The first is the apparent readiness of those who are minded to vote for parties other than Reform, or indeed Restore Britain, their readiness to fall in and vote for Mr Burnham.
“The second element of Mr Burnham’s success is that in a sense he was riding two horses at once. He was both riding as the person who was trying to appeal to the traditional Labour vote … and he was also able to appeal to those who wanted to see the back of Keir Starmer.
“The question you have to ask yourself is when Mr Burnham becomes prime minister, how easy will that trick be to repeat? Because once he’s his own man, he’s not going to be able to campaign against himself in the way he’s campaigned against Keir Starmer.
“Bear in mind the fact that because he is so popular within Manchester, the extent to which his popularity can be extended across the whole of the country. All of this is for Mr Burnham to prove – it looks as if he will get the opportunity to prove it but I don’t think we should assume that there is going to be suddenly a dramatic change in the standing of the Labour party in the national opinion polls.”
6 days ago03:40 Steph SpyroBurnham leaves count with wife and daughter
Labour party MP Andy Burnham leaves The Edge in Wigan with his wife Marie-France Van Heel (right) and their daughter Rosie after winning the Makerfield by-election.
Tories slam 'disastrous result for Reform' after by-election loss
A Conservative Party spokeswoman said:"Makerfield has long been considered a safe Labour seat. The fact that it was even at risk shows just how unpopular Labour has become.
"But there is no disguising the fact that this is a disastrous result for Reform. Makerfield was one of their top target seats anywhere in the country, yet despite throwing everything at it, they have failed to win.
"Andy Burnham's victory will now trigger a Labour leadership contest, during which the Government will be consumed by Labour's internal politics rather than governing."
6 days ago03:26 Steph SpyroAndy Burnham Makerfield victory speech in full as he sends message to Keir Starmer
Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield election and is set to oust Starmer as leader as he returns to the Commons.
Mr Burnham's victory accelerates his bid to replace the Labour leader in the coming days, with a meeting planned this weekend.
Burnham's speech was hijacked by other candidates, which saw him exit the stage.
Andy Burnham victory speech hijacked in Makerfield by-election chaos
Andy Burnham's victory speech has been hijacked in Makerfield by-election chaos.
Burnham claimed victory at the by-election in Makerfield in the early hours.
Burnham received 24,927 votes versus 15,696 for Reform.
6 days ago03:17 Steph SpyroMakerfield by-election results in full as Andy Burnham wins in blow to Reform
Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election in a result that deals a blow to Reform UK and lays the pathway for a leadership battle with Sir Keir Starmer.
Votes were counted overnight, with Burnham emerging victorious after weeks of campaigning from all the major parties, strengthening his standing as one of Labour's most high-profile figures.
Andy Burnham wins by-election
The Greater Manchester mayor won the Makerfield by-election by 9,231 votes, seeing off the challenge from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
6 days ago02:43 Steph SpyroMakerfield by-election result expected soon
The result of the Makerfield by-election is expected soon.
Journalists have just raced to the front of the stage where the winner will be announced.
6 days ago02:22 Steph SpyroBurnham arrives at count
Andy Burnham hs just arrived at the count. Supporters cheered as he entered the room. He then went round to several people hugging them and shaking hands.
Tories celebrate 'extraordinary victory' in Aberdeen South
Andrew Bowie MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, said: “This is an extraordinary victory for Douglas Lumsden MP and the Conservatives. This is the first time that the Conservative Party has gained a Westminster Parliamentary by-election in Scotland since 1967.
“We said this election was a referendum on the future of North Sea oil and gas, and Aberdeen has spoken loud and clear. Let’s Get Britain Drilling Now.
“I look forward to Douglas joining the Conservative team in Westminster, where I know he will work tirelessly to hold Ed Miliband to account and stand up for the people of Aberdeen.”
6 days ago01:57 Steph SpyroSNP holds Arbroath and Broughty Ferry
Lara Bird has won the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry by-election holding the seat for the SNP.
6 days ago01:56 Steph SpyroStarmer should set out orderly transition, ex-Cabinet Minister says
Former cabinet minister Louise Haigh said Sir Keir Starmer should set out an orderly transition of power if Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election.
“I hope, if things go the way way we want them to tonight that Keir Starmer takes the time to reflect on these results, reflect on the results just six weeks ago and do what’s best for both the country and the Labour Party,” she told the BBC.
“I hope that he will consider an orderly and managed transition. We have said that the party is in an existential crisis and things cannot continue.
“It was quite clear , after the local elections, unfortunately he considered that business as usual would suffice.
“Andy has, potentially, shown tonight what a changed Labour Party can bring and how we can beat the rise of Reform because without that optimism and without that on the ballot paper then we will see a Reform prime minister at the next general election.”
Major boost for Kemi Badenoch as Tories gain Aberdeen South
The Tories have taken their first by-election win in Scotland since the 1970s.
Conservative Party candidate Douglas Lumsden has taken the win in Aberdeen South.
6 days ago01:42 Steph SpyroBy-election fun fact for you!
If the Conservatives do win Aberdeen South it will be only the fifth time this century the party has gained a seat at a Westminster by-election.
The last time was Hartlepool in May 2021, when Jill Mortimer took the seat from Labour with a swing of almost 16%, a result which piled pressure on Sir Keir Starmer, who was then leader of the opposition.
6 days ago01:32 Steph SpyroStephen Flynn admits 'tough night'
The SNP’s Stephen Flynn, who gave up his Aberdeen South seat for a seat in Holyrood, wrote on social media: “A tough night in Aberdeen that some will need to reflect on, quite heavily.”
He added: “We lost Aberdeen South to the Tories in 2017, and we won it back two years later.
“I’ve no doubt that we can do so again. If we get things right.”
6 days ago01:30 Steph SpyroBurnham should be heard ‘at top of politics’ if he wins Makerfield, says Nandy
Andy Burnham is likely to discuss the Labour leadership situation directly with Sir Keir Starmer if he wins the Makerfield by-election, a Cabinet minister said.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said Mr Burnham deserves to be heard “loud and clear at the top of politics” if he succeeds in fighting off the challenge from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK in the seat.
If Mr Burnham does hold Makerfield for Labour, he is expected to use his return to the Commons to launch an effort to oust the Prime Minister.
Ms Nandy, who insisted she still supports the Prime Minister, said Mr Burnham was capable of winning over voters in a way that no other Labour politician could.
She said: “If Andy wins tonight I’m sure there’ll be a conversation with the Prime Minister. I’m sure the Prime Minister will want to call to congratulate him, in fact, I know he will, and I know that they’ll have then have a conversation about what comes next.
“The Prime Minister has already signalled that he would like to extend a hand of friendship to Andy to make sure that he’s part of the team. I think that’s a conversation they need to have.”
SNP concedes defeat as Tories on track to win Aberdeen South
The SNP have conceded defeat in Aberdeen South with a senior source saying it is the “Tories’ night”, but pledging to “win it back in 2029”.
6 days ago00:39 Steph SpyroTurnout in by-election higher than 2024 national vote
Turnout in the Makerfield by-election is 58.75% - up from 52.4% at the 2024 general election
6 days ago00:31 Steph SpyroLabour sources confident about Burnham win
Labour sources are now increasingly confident of Andy Burnham winning the Makerfield by-election.
6 days ago23:58 Steph SpyroTories 'cautiously optimistic' about Aberdeen South
Senior SNP figures are pessimistic about the party’s fortunes in Aberdeen South, it is understood.
Sources have said early sampling of postal votes shows a heavy tactical vote skewed towards the Scottish Tory candidate Douglas Lumsden.
Senior Tory sources have suggested the party is “cautiously optimistic”, but emphasised it was early in the counting process.
The by-election is also expected to have a particularly low turnout.
Here are the key details about Aberdeen South
The two by-elections taking place in Scotland were triggered when the former SNP MPs in these seats, Stephen Flynn in Aberdeen South and Stephen Gethins in Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, were elected to the Scottish Parliament on May 7.
The law does not allow people to hold seats in the Parliament and in the House of Commons simultaneously.
In recent times, Labour represented the constituency from 1997 up to 2015, when it was first won by the SNP.
The Conservatives took the seat in 2017, only for the SNP to retake it in 2019 and hold it in 2024.
The result in 2024 saw Mr Flynn elected for the SNP on a very low share of the vote, 33%, with Labour in second place on 25% and the Conservatives close behind on 24%, while Reform got 7%, the Lib Dems 6% and the Greens 3%.
All six of these parties are standing at the by-election, along with a candidate for the Alliance for Democracy and Freedom.
The SNP’s majority in 2024 was 3,758 and the party finished just over eight percentage points ahead of both Labour and the Conservatives.
This means a swing of a little over four percentage points to either Labour or the Tories would see one of those parties take the seat from the SNP.
6 days ago23:40 Steph SpyroMakerfield: key details
Labour MPs have represented this area of Greater Manchester for 120 years.
The by-election in Makerfield was triggered by the resignation of Mr Simons in order to allow Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham the chance to stand for a seat at Westminster.
Labour’s share of the vote at the 2024 general election was 45%, with Reform UK in second place on 32%, followed by the Conservatives on 11%, the Liberal Democrats on 7% and the Greens on 4%.
This was Reform’s sixth highest vote share in the UK at the 2024 election, behind only Clacton, Ashfield, Boston & Skegness, Great Yarmouth and Barnsley South.
Reform’s candidate in 2024, Rob Kenyon, is standing again this time, along with Mr Burnham for Labour and 12 others, including the Conservatives, the Lib Dems, the Greens and Restore Britain.
Mr Simons’s majority in 2024 was 5,399.
This is smaller than the Labour majority overturned by Reform at the Runcorn & Helsby by-election in Cheshire in May 2025 (14,696), and the Labour majority overturned by the Greens at the Gorton & Denton by-election in Greater Manchester in February 2026 (13,413).
Labour finished 13 percentage points ahead of Reform in vote share in 2024, meaning Reform needs a swing in the share of the vote of just over 6.5 percentage points to take the seat.
This is the equivalent of a net change of seven in every 100 people who voted Labour in 2024 switching directly to Reform.
The 2021 census found 96.7% of the population of Makerfield is white, higher than the equivalent figure for the North West (85.6%) and the UK (83.0%).
An estimated 96% of the population was born in the UK, compared with 88% for the North West and 84% for the UK.
Some 19.3% of children in the constituency were living in poverty in 2024/25 – defined as households with income below 60% of the national median average – which is lower than the figure for the region (24.5%) but similar to the overall level for the UK (19.3%).
The percentage of residents aged 16-64 claiming unemployment benefit stood at 3.1% in April 2026, below the equivalent figure for the region (4.2%) and the UK (3.9%).
High turnout expected in Makerfield
Officials are expecting a high turnout in the Makerfield by-election.
Locals here are feeling the pressure of the decision they faced on Thursday. The politically-engaged constituents have been fully aware of the gravity of their vote – whch has the potential to lead to Keir Starmer's downfall.
6 days ago23:29 Steph SpyroReform: Makerfield count 'too close to call'
A Reform source at the Makerfield count said it was “way too early and too close to call”.
He said canvassing had been “really positive”, but they would have a better idea of how the party had done after the verification process was complete.
6 days ago23:13 Steph SpyroVoters are also being counted in Aberdeen South by-election
Votes are counted for the Aberdeen South by-election at P&J Live in Aberdeen.
The by-election was triggered following Stephen Flynn being elected to the Scottish Parliament
Reform UK candidate watching vote count in Scotland
Reform UK candidate Bill Reid watches as votes are counted for the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry by-election at the Saltire Sports Centre in Arbroath.
Rupert Lowe won't be forgiven if Reform UK loses Makerfield, Farage says
Members of the public will "never forgive" Restore Britain's Rupert Lowe if his party splits the vote on the right, Nigel Farage said earlier on Thursday.
Reform UK's leader said Mr Lowe was running a "nihilistic campaign" in Makerfield.
Restore Britain is set to come third, following behind Reform UK and Labour.
Ballot boxes arriving at Makerfield count
Ballot boxes are delivered to the Edge Wigan for the Makerfield by-election which was triggered by the resignation of Josh Simons MP.
Pictures starting to emerge from count in Scotland
Votes being counted for the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry by-election at the Saltire Sports Centre in Arbroath.
The by-election was triggered following Stephen Gethins being elected to the Scottish Parliament.
Burnham: Supporters should be proud of 'very positive' campaign
Andy Burnham said his supporters could be proud of the “very positive” campaign in Makerfield.
The Labour candidate and potential leadership challenger said: “Huge thanks to the people of the Makerfield constituency for your patience and good humour over the last five weeks.
“My thanks, too, to the many volunteers who came up to support my campaign. We ran a very positive one and can be proud of it.”
6 days ago22:42 Steph SpyroA huge thanks to the people of the Makerfield constituency for your patience and good humour over the last five weeks. My thanks too to the many volunteers who came up to support my campaign. We ran a very positive one and can be proud of it! \ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffb pic.twitter.com/2NN2mLxZ95
\u2014 Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) June 18, 2026
Sarah Pochin warns of 'utter betrayal' at Makerfield by-election count
Reform MP Sarah Pochin, who won by six votes in Runcorn and Helsby, said it “would be an utter betrayal of the country” if going forward Restore splits vote on right.
PM plans to call Burnham 'after the weekend' if he wins by-election
Several Cabinet ministers have had to be talked out of resigning early by Andy Burnham's camp to prevent the Government descending into chaos ahead of the by-election.
Burnham supporters within the Government are said to have intended to quit early to pressure the Prime Minister into making way for his rival.
Fellow leadership hopeful and former health secretary Wes Streeting is reported to have met Mr Burnham while campaigning in Makerfield on Monday, though a source told the paper “no deals were done” as a result of the meeting.
Sir Keir has said he plans to call Mr Burnham “after the weekend”, but he may face swift pressure to accept a leadership contest or stand down, as Mr Streeting has indicated he is prepared to trigger a race as early as next week.
6 days ago22:30 Steph SpyroKeir Starmer unlikely to stand aside for Andy Burnham
Sir Keir said on Wednesday he was willing to offer the Mayor of Greater Manchester a “big” job in his Government, should his rival win when Thursday’s votes are counted.
But allies of the mayor said he was not interested, insisting “the benefit Andy has is the wind of change for not having been associated with the Government’s failings”.
The Prime Minister has repeatedly insisted he has no intention of standing aside and is understood to have amassed a war chest to fund his campaign to fight any leadership challenge, as first reported by The Times.
He has the backing of a group of private donors with fundraising having ramped up in the last two days and total pledges running into six figures, sources said.
But Mr Burnham and his allies are reported to be hoping for a “coronation” in which Sir Keir stands aside, rather than a contest, which they believe would be damaging to Labour’s brand.
Voters in Makerfield bombardered with voting materials ahead of key vote
Voters in Makerfield have been bombardered by Reform UK, Labour and Restore Britain in the last few weeks.
This is one of the most high-profile by-elections that the country has seen – which could lead to the downfall of the country's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Tories 'always knew' Makerfield by-election would be 'tough'
Kevin Hollinrake MP, Chairman of the Conservative Party, said:"We always knew these by-elections would be tough, but we are up for the fight. Wherever voters are, we will always give them the opportunity to vote Conservative. I would like to pay tribute to our excellent parliamentary candidates Michael Winstanley, Douglas Lumsden and Jack Cruickshanks for the campaigns they have run.
"Areas like Makerfield and Arbroath and Broughty Ferry are not typically regarded as natural Conservative territory and in Aberdeen South we know we face a tough fight. But across the country we have given voters the opportunity to back a Stronger Economy, a Stronger Country and a party that will Get Britain Drilling and Working Again.
"Under Kemi Badenoch's leadership, the Conservative Party is rebuilding in every corner of the United Kingdom."
6 days ago22:12 Steph SpyroPolls close in two Scottish by-elections
Polls have closed in two Scottish by-elections, called after the previous holders were elected to Holyrood.
Voters in Aberdeen South and Arbroath and Broughty Ferry will have to wait until the early hours of Friday morning to find out who will be their new MP.
Former SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn stood down last month after he was elected as an MSP, with Stephen Gethins doing the same.
Both were quickly shepherded into John Swinney’s Government.
Postal ballot boxes being opened
Postal ballot boxes have just begun to be opened. A verification process will now take place before counting begins shortly.
6 days ago22:05 Steph SpyroGreens: Andy Burnham needs to do much better to fulfil promises of change
A Green Party spokesman said: "Our candidate Sarah Wakefield has run an outstanding campaign, highlighting that there is an alternative to the failing status quo, with the Greens message of making hope normal again and a fairer, greener country.
"Whatever the outcome of this by-election, it's clear people are desperate for real change.
"It will be a disaster for the people of Makerfield and the country if Reform’s candidate, with his history of misogynist views and Reform’s divisive policies wins out.
"Andy Burnham also needs to do much better if he is to fulfil his campaign promise of change. Throughout the campaign, he u-turned and u-turned on crucial issues for the country, pledging to stick to the failed fiscal rules, to make Labour’s settled status policies even crueller, failing to promise electoral reform before the general election and to take water and energy into public ownership. Unless Andy Burnham listens to the cry for change from the doorsteps of Makerfield, he is quickly going to find himself in the same status quo fuelled hole that Keir Starmer has ended up in. The Green Party are standing for a real positive alternative and are alone up to the job of taking on Reform and giving people hope."
6 days ago22:04 Steph SpyroLabour deputy leader admits 'tough fight' against Reform UK
Lucy Powell MP, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, has just released a statement after polls closed.
She said: “Our great candidate, Andy Burnham, and our fantastic Labour team have run a positive campaign focused on the people of the Makerfield constituency.
“We knew this would be a tough fight, given Reform did so well here just a few weeks ago, but the Labour movement came together to show we are well up for that fight. While it will be some hours before we know the result, I want to say a huge thank you to the hundreds and hundreds of activists and volunteers who have helped with this campaign. Together, we’ve spoken to a record number of residents and shared our Labour message of hope and optimism.
“Labour will continue working every day for the people of this country, putting our values into action and delivering the fairer future communities want to see.”
Polls close in major by-election
Polls have just closed in the key by-election of Makerfield.
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Ballot boxes will begin arriving in around 10 minutes, wth a declaration of results expected between 3am and 4am.
