Andy Burnham Beats Reform U.K. in Makerfield By‑Election, Strengthening Challenge to Keir Starmer

Andy Burnham, the Labour mayor of Manchester, contested the Makerfield by‑election. He faced the right‑wing Reform U.K. party, which campaigned on populist themes. Burnham secured a clear victory, outpacing his opponents by a sizable margin. The win marks his first electoral success since becoming mayor. Political analysts say the result revives his ambition to become prime minister. Labour officials view the outcome as a boost for the party ahead of national polls. The defeat is a setback for Reform U.K., which had hoped to make inroads in the constituency. Observers will watch how Burnham leverages the momentum in upcoming campaigns.