Andy Burnham is putting forward his candidacy for the upcoming Makerfield MP position in Greater Manchester as part of his return to Parliament and potential bid for Prime Minister. The Mayor of Manchester is commencing his campaign for the by-election today after being confirmed as the Labour candidate for the June 18 contest.
Many viewed Burnham’s run for Parliament as a strategic move towards challenging Keir Starmer for leadership. Surprisingly, the Prime Minister has expressed his support for Burnham, who will face off against Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon, a local plumber who previously ran for the party in 2024.
Despite the perception that Burnham’s campaign is aimed at challenging Starmer, the Prime Minister has publicly backed Burnham. Starmer has stated his intention to campaign in Makerfield, emphasizing the importance of unity within the Labour party in the face of competition from Reform UK.
Notable figures attending Burnham’s campaign launch include Labour MPs Jonathan Reynolds, Kim Johnson, Barry Gardiner, Ian Byrne, Chris Webb, and Rebecca Long-Bailey, along with Liverpool metro mayor Steve Rotheram and Welsh Labour interim leader Ken Skates.
Burnham will soon present his platform to the Makerfield constituents in preparation for the upcoming by-election. Additionally, the Green Party has reopened candidate nominations following Chris Kennedy’s withdrawal shortly after being announced as their candidate.
The community’s political engagement is evident through election campaign posters displayed at the Stubshaw Cross Community and Sports Club in Ashton-in-Makerfield.
