Andy Burnham Secures Makerfield By-Election, Allies Push for Starmer's Departure

Andy Burnham has secured the Makerfield by-election, a crucial step for his anticipated bid for the Labour leadership. In his victory address, Burnham asserted that his win could signify a national turning point, while committing to the constituency as more than a mere stepping stone.

Burnham's Path to Leadership

The former Greater Manchester mayor held a substantial lead over Reform UK, which finished second, over 9,000 votes behind Labour. Makerfield, a Labour stronghold for 120 years, saw an intensive campaign following recent electoral setbacks for the party, particularly losses to Reform in English council elections.

Burnham’s win follows the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons, facilitating Burnham’s candidacy for the seat—a prerequisite for a leadership challenge against the current Prime Minister. Allies of Burnham have intensified calls for Sir Keir Starmer to step aside, with former Cabinet minister Louise Haigh suggesting the Prime Minister should consider an 'orderly and managed transition' after these results and those from six weeks prior. The Prime Minister, however, has reiterated his intention to remain in No. 10.

Scottish Conservative Gain and SNP Hold

Concurrently, the Scottish Conservatives secured a Westminster by-election in Aberdeen South, unseating the SNP for the first time in over 50 years. Douglas Lumsden won by a convincing margin, with Reform UK in third and Labour in fourth. Lumsden, who will now resign as a North East MSP due to a Holyrood ban on dual mandates, declared in his victory speech, 'The destruction of the North Sea oil and gas industry must stop now.'

Meanwhile, the SNP retained the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry seat, with Lara Bird winning decisively by over 5,000 votes. The Conservatives placed second, followed by Reform and Labour, who dropped from their previous second-place position in the 2024 election. Bird stated, 'The people of Arbroath and Broughty Ferry have rejected the politics of division and hate that some tried to sow.'