Makerfield by-election: It’s the final campaign day

Live updates

1. 12d ago

   Andy Burnham exits Manchester mayoralty to enter Parliament

   Prime Minister Andy Burnham has resigned as Greater Manchester mayor following his election as an MP last month. Seven candidates are now competing to succeed him in a mayoral election marked by the lowest turnout in history. While the first round of results is expected shortly, the transition marks a shift for Burnham, who previously used his regional platform to climb to the top job.

   Why it matters

   The mayoral vacancy was triggered by Burnham's move to national politics. His leadership style and regional focus have since influenced government strategies regarding youth unemployment.

   What is confirmed

   • Seven candidates are running to succeed Andy Burnham as Greater Manchester mayor.
   • Andy Burnham stood down as mayor after his election as an MP last month.
   • The Greater Manchester mayoral election saw the lowest turnout in history.

   What to watch next

   • Announcement of the first round mayoral election results
   • Official confirmation of the new Greater Manchester mayor
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.nbcnews.com — Maryland House Primary Results 2026
   2. www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk — Greater Manchester mayoral election LIVE results and updates as turnout announced as lowest in history and tension builds
   3. www.bbc.com — First round result expected soon in vote to replace Burnham as Greater Manchester mayor
   4. www.aol.com — Why we are all performative northerners now
   5. www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk — Greater Manchester mayoral election LIVE updates as polls close across the region
   6. www.nbcnews.com — South Carolina Governor Primary Runoff Results 2026
   confidence 100%
2. 15d ago

   Labour Leads Polls Following Makerfield Victory

   The Prime Minister's party is now ahead of Reform UK in the polls for the first time in 15 months. Keir Starmer is adopting strategies from Andy Burnham's Manchester playbook to address youth unemployment.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Labour is ahead of Reform UK in the polls for the first time in 15 months.
   • The Prime Minister is using his Manchester playbook to tackle youth unemployment.
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. Four ways Burnham could push young people into work to keep them off benefits
   2. ‘Burnham bounce’ puts Labour ahead in poll, but can it last?
   3. Live Blog: 2026 Primary Election Day in New York City
   confidence 50%
3. 46d ago

   Burnham meets Starmer following Makerfield victory

   Andy Burnham has returned to Westminster after winning the Makerfield by-election. He recently held his first meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer since the vote. Burnham described the result as a possible "turning point" for the country.

   What's confirmed:

   • Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election on 18 June 2026.
   • Burnham defeated Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon by a majority of 20.3 percentage points.
   • Burnham has met with Keir Starmer for the first time since the by-election.
   • Burnham called the victory a "turning point" for the country.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Burnham is the front-runner to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister.
   • At least two Labour MPs are considering entering a leadership contest.
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. Starmer holds meeting with Burnham for first time since Makerfield by-election
   2. California House District 11 Primary Results 2026
   3. Burnham's emphatic win leaves Starmer and Labour MPs with big ... - BBC
   4. The Aftermath of Makerfield - Lotus Eaters
   5. Andy Burnham’s speech in full after landslide victory in Makerfield by-election
   confidence 90%
4. 49d ago

   Andy Burnham Wins Makerfield By-Election

   Andy Burnham secured a victory for Labour in the Makerfield by-election on 18 June 2026. He defeated Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon with a majority of 20.3 percentage points. This result enables Burnham to return to Westminster.

   What's confirmed:

   • Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election on 18 June 2026.
   • Burnham received 54.8% of the vote while Robert Kenyon of Reform UK received 34.5%.
   • The voter turnout for the election was 58.75%.
   • Burnham beat the Reform UK challenge by more than 9,000 votes.
   • The Labour lead over Reform increased from 13 percentage points in 2024 to 20 points.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Burnham will discard his current rhetoric once he enters Downing Street.
   • The win could be a turning point for the outgoing Greater Manchester mayor.
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. A last crazy day in Makerfield - Manchester Evening News
   2. Fallout From the Deal
   3. Andy Burnham says his Makerfield by-election win could be turning point ...
   4. MAKERFIELD LIVE: Andy Burnham SEALS HIS RETURN to Westminster ... - YouTube
   5. Makerfield by-election result: Key numbers and historical trends
   6. Burnham wins Makerfield by-election, clearing path for Labour ...
   7. Makerfield By-Election Result 2026: Burnham Holds for Labour
   confidence 100%
5. 52d ago

   Andy Burnham wins Makerfield by-election

   Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election held on 18 June 2026. The seat became available after Josh Simons resigned to enable Burnham to enter Parliament. This victory allows Burnham to potentially challenge Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership.

   What's confirmed:

   • The Makerfield by-election took place on 18 June 2026.
   • Andy Burnham won the by-election.
   • Josh Simons resigned as the Labour MP for Makerfield to allow Andy Burnham to stand.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Keir Starmer urged Andy Burnham not to launch an immediate leadership challenge if he won.
   • Labour insiders described tense negotiations likely to follow the election.
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. Makerfield by-election LIVE as countdown to polling day continuesVoters ...
   2. Makerfield by-election: It's the final campaign day — Live Feed
   3. Inside the Makerfield by-election count's unseen moments
   4. Inside the final days of Andy Burnham's Makerfield campaign
   5. 2026 Makerfield by-election - Wikipedia
   6. No champagne corks but a quiet pint for Burnham after seismic 3am ...
   confidence 100%
6. 53d ago

   Andy Burnham wins Makerfield by-election

   Andy Burnham has secured a significant victory in the Makerfield by-election. The vote took place on Thursday, 18 June 2026. This result follows a high-stakes campaign period.

   What's confirmed:

   • Polling day for the Makerfield by-election was Thursday, 18 June 2026.
   • Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The by-election outcome could determine who becomes Britain's next prime minister.
   • The result could lead to a challenge against Keir Starmer.
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. Makerfield By-Election: Thursday 18 June 2026
   2. The latest updates and news after Andy Burnham's huge win in Makerfield
   3. Makerfield by-election: It's the final campaign day — live updates
   4. Makerfield By-Election: Final Campaign Day — Live Updates
   confidence 100%
7. 54d ago

   Makerfield By-Election Enters Final Campaign Day

   Voters in north-west England are preparing for a by-election that may influence the future of the UK prime minister. Andy Burnham is running in the contest, which some describe as the most important by-election since 1938. The outcome could potentially lead to a challenge against Keir Starmer.

   What's confirmed:

   • The Makerfield by-election is taking place in north-west England.
   • Andy Burnham is a candidate in the by-election.
   • The result of the election could eventually impact the fate of the prime minister.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Labour campaigners fear their high numbers might annoy voters.
   Sources used for this update (38)

   1. Makerfield by-election: It’s the final campaign day — live updates
   2. A special election in England could eventually determine the next prime minister
   3. Why 0.1% of Britons could determine the prime minister’s fate
   4. ‘Is it really as close as it looks?’ - your questions on the Makerfield byelection answered
   5. Andy Burnham has become less popular ahead of the Makerfield by-election
   6. He Quit Parliament. Now He’s Set to Become Britain’s Prime Minister.
   7. Burnham win would be big setback for Reform
   8. Labour MPs urge Burnham not to delay challenge to Starmer if he wins Makerfield by-election
   9. Makerfield by-election odds put Burnham on track to challenge Starmer
   10. The more scrutiny Andy Burnham faces, the less popular he gets
   11. A U.K. Special Election That Could (Eventually) Topple a Prime Minister
   12. 'Most Important By-Election Since 1938' to Seal UK PM's Fate
   confidence 90%