Makerfield vote could open Labour leadership fight in Britain
What's at stake: A win would put Andy Burnham back in Parliament and able to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Voters in Makerfield in northern England cast ballots Thursday in a by-election that could quickly reshape British politics. The race was triggered when Labour lawmaker Josh Simons resigned, clearing the way for Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, to run for a seat in Parliament. If Burnham wins, he would be eligible to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. The contest has centered on local issues such as schools, potholes and garbage collection, but it has drawn national attention because Starmer's standing has fallen sharply amid anger over the economy, public services, taxes and immigration. Labour also faces pressure in the district from Reform UK.