Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester and Labour MP, has won the Makerfield by-election held on June 9 [1].
The victory returns Burnham to the House of Commons, providing him with the necessary parliamentary platform to potentially challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for the leadership of the Labour Party.
Burnham entered the race with Betfair record odds of 5.5 to 1 to win the seat [1]. His return to Westminster shifts the internal dynamics of the party, as he now possesses the legislative standing required to seek the premiership. However, the path to Downing Street remains complex.
Lucy McDaid of Sky News said the so-called “King of the North” would need to jump several hurdles to get into No 10. These obstacles include navigating party rules, and managing policy disagreements, such as the expansion of the Heathrow runway.
Some party figures believe the victory creates immediate pressure on the current leadership. Lord Streeting said that if Burnham wins the by-election, Starmer should set out a clear timetable for the leadership contest. Analysis from the Belfast Telegraph suggested that Burnham’s win could mean Starmer’s days in No 10 are numbered.
There are conflicting reports regarding Burnham's immediate intentions. Some sources suggest he has already signaled a challenge to Starmer, while others report that Burnham said he will first focus on local issues before any leadership bid.
Regardless of his immediate plans, the victory establishes Burnham as a significant power center within the party. His ability to mobilize support in the North provides a strategic counterweight to the current administration's leadership style.
“the so-called “King of the North” would need to jump several hurdles to get into No 10”
Burnham's return to Parliament removes the primary structural barrier to his premiership ambitions. While Starmer currently holds the leadership, the emergence of a high-profile MP with a strong regional power base increases the likelihood of internal party friction and potential leadership challenges if the government faces a decline in polling or policy deadlock.
