Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield byelection, defeating Reform UK. This victory means he will return to Westminster as a Member of Parliament. The article suggests this positions him as a potential challenger to Keir Starmer. The podcast episode featuring Kiran Stacey and Jessica Elgot will discuss what a potential Prime Minister Andy Burnham might mean for the country.
A special election in the Makerfield district of northwest England on Thursday will determine the future of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. While Starmer is not a candidate, the outcome is significant because Andy Burnham, the current mayor of Greater Manchester and a leading contender for Labour Party leadership, is running. If Burnham wins the seat for the governing Labour Party, defeating the Reform UK candidate, he is expected to challenge Starmer for leadership of the party and the country. This vote is closely watched as it could signal a shift in the political landscape.
A special election in the UK's Makerfield district on Thursday could significantly impact Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership of the Labour Party. Andy Burnham, the current mayor of Greater Manchester and a leading contender for future leadership, is running for the vacant parliamentary seat. If Burnham wins, it is expected to increase pressure on Starmer, whose popularity has declined due to struggles with economic growth and public services. Starmer has faced calls for resignation following poor local election results and missteps, though he has stated he will fight any leadership challenge. Burnham, known as the "King of the North," aims to implement his "Manchesterism" approach nationally, criticizing London-centric politics. The election also presents a challenge from the Reform UK party, which has gained traction in the region.
Andy Burnham will return to Westminster as an MP.
Andy Burnham decisively beat Reform UK to win the Makerfield byelection.
Kiran Stacey and Jessica Elgot chat through what happens next.
Keir Starmer states he will stand in any Labour leadership contest if one is triggered.
— Keir Starmer
Andy Burnham won the Makerfield byelection with 55% of the vote.
— article
The Liberal candidate, Anthony Marsh, has claimed victory in the Nepean byelection in Victoria, a result seen as a preview for the upcoming state election. With nearly 80% of votes counted, Marsh held a significant lead on a two-candidate basis. The byelection was triggered by the resignation of a Liberal deputy leader. While the Liberals retained the seat, they experienced a notable swing against them on the primary vote. One Nation's candidate, Darren Hercus, secured a strong second place, surpassing the independent candidate. The Labor party did not field a candidate in this byelection.
Labor opted not to field a candidate in the byelection.
Anthony Marsh did not live in the electorate and could not vote for himself on Saturday.
— Anthony Marsh
With close to 80% of the vote counted, Anthony Marsh had 38.5% of the primary vote and 63.4% on a two-candidate basis.
The Liberal party suffered close to a 10% swing against it on the primary vote in the Nepean byelection.
The strong One Nation showing could bode poorly for the Liberals in the upcoming Victorian state election.
— Benjamin Moffitt