England's 'King of the North' Faces a Big Test

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Andy Burnham Eyes Prime Ministership After Makerfield Win

   Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is now a Member of Parliament following a victory in the Makerfield by-election. He is positioned as a frontrunner to challenge Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. Some reports suggest he is poised to become the next British prime minister.

   What's confirmed:

   • Andy Burnham won a special election in the Makerfield constituency.
   • Burnham is the Mayor of Greater Manchester.
   • The Makerfield victory provides Burnham a path back to Westminster to challenge Keir Starmer.
   • Burnham has been referred to as the King of the North.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Andy Burnham is poised to become the UK's new prime minister.
   • The coming week could define British politics for years.
   confidence 90%
2. 3d ago

   Andy Burnham Wins Makerfield Seat to Challenge Prime Minister

   Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham won a special election in the Makerfield constituency. The victory returns him to Parliament and positions him to challenge Keir Starmer for the Labour Party leadership. Burnham described the result as the party's "final chance to change".

   What's confirmed:

   • Andy Burnham won the Makerfield special election with 24,927 votes, representing 55% of the total.
   • Burnham defeated Reform UK by more than 9,000 votes.
   • The victory allows the former Greater Manchester mayor to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party.
   • Burnham is referred to as the "King of the North".

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Nigel Farage attributed the Makerfield defeat to anti-Starmer votes.
   • Burnham prefers DJ battles and casual attire to present himself as a northern everyman.
   confidence 95%