Burnham wins Makerfield seat, opening path to challenge Starmer
Why it matters: The Greater Manchester mayor now needs backing from 80 Labour lawmakers to launch a leadership bid.
Andy Burnham’s victory in a special election for the Makerfield seat has returned the Greater Manchester mayor to Parliament and moved him closer to a possible challenge to Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. Burnham, 55, has twice failed to win the party’s top job, but allies see his parliamentary comeback as a route to Downing Street if Labour turns against Starmer. To trigger a leadership contest, Burnham would need support from 80 Labour lawmakers. Burnham has led Greater Manchester for nine years and built a national profile during the Covid-19 pandemic, when his defense of the region earned him the nickname “king of the north.” Supporters argue he is better placed to counter Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.