Why Makerfield backed Burnham
Luke Tryl
Why Makerfield backed Burnham
- Friday, June 19, 2026, 10:20 AM
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Luke Tryl
Why Makerfield backed Burnham
Pollsters should generally avoid hyperbole, but what we saw last night was nothing short of an electoral earthquake. On every standard political and demographic indicator, Makerfield was Reform’s to lose: almost exactly ten years ago, around 65 per cent of Makerfield voted for Brexit, and just six weeks ago Reform swept the board in the local elections – taking more than double Labour’s share of the vote.
In winning Makerfield so decisively, Burnham broke many of the rules of modern politics: the idea that demography is destiny, or that the Brexit divide is insurmountable. Burnham proved you can unite the left while still appealing to socially conservative voters who might be tempted by Reform. Perhaps most impressively, he overcame the toxicity of the Labour party brand. The voters we spoke to in Makerfield often had different views on Burnham, Kenyon and Farage, but they almost all converged on one thing: sheer anger towards Keir Starmer.
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Exploring Bologna from aboveSo how did Burnham do it?
In his speech, Burnham spoke of putting a ‘Makerfield test’ at the heart of British politics. Politicians have spent the post-Brexit decade promising a better offer for places that feel neglected by Westminster and cut out of our national story, but have failed to follow through. From our nine focus groups in the run-up to this by-election, it was clear three things convinced voters that, in Burnham’s case, the promise might this time be real.
The first is that Burnham had proof points that he genuinely cares and understands the people he seeks to represent. In part through showing people he had already championed Greater Manchester, particularly during the pandemic. But there was also a personal dimension: Makerfield residents told us, unprompted, about seeing him out and about in the area. ‘I’ve seen him at the football,’ Derek explained. ‘I’ve seen him in the pub outside the football stadium just talking to fans. I know he’ll buy people a drink. Comes across as an ordinary bloke – who you’d actually want to speak to.’ Those who had interacted with Burnham – a striking number of voters – said he seemed to really listen, to be interested, and to care about the issues voters were worried about. Relatability matters at the best of times, but in the age of the attention economy, having a personal brand matters tenfold.
That sense of being in touch was also contrasted, again and again, with Starmer. As Alice said: ‘I get the impression that he [Starmer] doesn’t understand the depth of feeling in the country.’
Makerfield voters also believed that Burnham had a record of delivery. Here the by-election had a particularly important local element which both boosted Burnham, but also presented challenges. Voters cited local improvements, such as the Bee Network, but this far from Inner Manchester there was often also a feeling of neglect. Some felt Burnham’s portrayal of Greater Manchester was too rosy – glossing over the ‘spice heads’ in Wigan town centre – and the abortive Clean Air Zone felt like a major Achilles heel for the Mayor. ‘Two words’, retiree Mary told me when I asked why she wasn’t a fan of Burnham. ‘Congestion. Charge.’ Despite these shortcomings, Burnham’s work in Manchester was seen as a net positive and he was helped by what we found was a real affection for the MP who gave up his seat for Burnham, Josh Simons.
The third component of Burnham’s appeal was a vision for the country as a whole – he conveyed an ambition to make central government work again. Voters are not naive; they recognised Burnham’s ambitions from day one of the campaign, and while some worried about being used as a ‘stepping stone’, for many the prospect of a national profile was a plus: ‘We’ve been put in a privileged position to be able to make such a massive decision.’
Changing Westminster, fighting for a better deal for places like Makerfield, fixing a social contract that feels broken, these things appealed to voters frustrated with what they saw as a failing status quo. ‘I think it’s the system that’s broken, isn’t it?’ Allie, who could not decide between Labour or Reform, told us. Mike, who was tempted by Restore Britain, agreed: ‘If we don't get our own country sorted out soon, we’re going to be in big trouble.’
Of course, there were negative drivers of Burnham's vote too. For the third by-election in a row, Reform chose a candidate who hurt them. Robert Kenyon's misogynistic comments were overlooked by many, but his refusal to apologise turned some undecideds against him. The Henry Nowak case was also a defining moment for Farage during the campaign – his call for ‘pure, cold rage’ struck many as distasteful, and even voters sympathetic to his arguments on two-tier policing baulked at the way he disregarded the family’s wishes. Despite Burnham’s appeal, many told us they felt they were voting against something rather than for it. ‘I think it might be the first time I vote negatively,’ Rachel told us, ‘and that sits really uncomfortably with me.’
Burnham’s victory had many drivers: fear of Reform, personal charisma, relatability. But as he now eyes what looks like an inevitable move to Downing Street, the question is whether he can genuinely make a reality of the ‘Makerfield test’ and deliver in government – and whether that success can transfer to Labour as a whole, or whether, like Trump, he can only turn out voters for himself. Winning the by-election, it turns out, was the easy part.
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
Venezuela Fury and Noah Price subsidising their life by livestreaming
Venezuela Fury and her husband Noah Price look to be making their own way in the world by raking it in from their lucrative social media accounts.
The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury, 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year.
Since getting married and moving in together the couple have been earning thousands of pounds a month, livestreaming their life as newlyweds in their static caravan in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
And fans can't get enough of their regular life updates on TikTok and Kick, which have proved to be very profitable for the pair.
They look to be supporting themselves after Noah denied that he was given £5million by Venezuela's family as a wedding gift.
Despite his wife's huge family wealth, an estimated combined £160 million, Noah recently told his Kick followers that he 'pays for everything' for the couple.
Making light of the claims about Venezuela's millionaire financial status, Noah said: 'I actually pay for everything unfortunately. You'd expect the millionaire to pay for it wouldn't you.'
Venezuela Fury and Noah Price are earning thousands livestreaming their caravan life - after her new groom insisted he pays all the bills and denied he had £5m handout from her dad
The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury , 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year
Venezuela then asked their fans: 'Do you think I am a millionaire?'
Noah joked: 'She isn't a secret millionaire guys', before she broke into song and sang: 'But I live like a millionaire!'
But it seems according to estimated calculations from their social media work, Noah and Venezuela can more than afford to support themselves.
Noah has been livestreaming on platforms such as Kick and TikTok, where viewers can send paid gifts or donations.
He was previously encouraging viewers to send gifts on his honeymoon during livestreams, suggesting this is one revenue stream.
Both Noah and Venezuela have built substantial followings on Instagram and TikTok. They can potentially earn money through sponsored posts, brand collaborations, affiliate links and creator payouts.
Kick allows its creators to take home 95 per cent of the £4.99 subscription cost that fans pay.
Streamers keep 100 per cent of direct tips and donations, minus minor standard payment processing fees.
It is unclear how many subscribers Noah currently has because this information is hidden, but he does have 7,200 followers which is publicly viewable.
An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million.
An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million
In one video on their honeymoon, Noah asked his followers if they'd give them some more gifts now that they were married.
In a TikTok live viewed by 20,000 he said: 'Keep liking our videos people, keep sending gifts.'
After saying thank you to several of his followers he joked they should stick around on the livestream and 'watch Venezuela punch me in the mouth'.
The other half of the honeymooning couple said: 'I am, honestly!'
Noah previously confirmed that the pair don't share their finances after they were asked whether they have a shared bank account.
'She earns her money, I earn mine,' said Noah, as Venezuela joked: 'Yeah, what you gonna do about it.'
Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'.
Meanwhile Venezuela is being eyed up by executives for a fly on the wall TV series.
Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'
Boasting 1.3 million TikTok followers, Venezuela is already entertaining fans with her honest musings and candid moments, from cooking to kitting out her and Noah's static caravan home.
And following the success of the Netflix series At Home With The Furys, it is no wonder bosses are wanting to draw on the Fury popularity.
A TV insider said: 'The couple are not A-list celebrities but everyone has become obsessed with their love story.
'People are genuinely intrigued by them. Whether it’s the fact they have married so young, Venezuela’s famous family or their gypsy lifestyle, they have the ‘X factor'.
'Several TV executives think a proper fly-on-the-wall series following their lives as newlyweds in the gypsy community would be fascinating,' they told The Sun.
It is thought Netflix would be likely to produce the series due to their already established relationship with the Furys.
Venezuela's representatives told The Daily Mail: 'We have many offers on the table regarding Venezuela which we are discussing.'
