Labour’s Andy Burnham won the pivotal by-election in the English constituency of Makerfield. With this victory, he enters the British House of Commons and can challenge Minister Keir Starmer. According to the results released early Friday morning, Burnham decisively defeated his main rival, Robert Kenyon of the right-wing populist Reform UK party.
Burnham, currently the Mayor of Manchester, had announced before the election that he would challenge Starmer if he won. After the result was announced, he said his victory was “a last chance for change.” Burnham is considered part of Labour’s left wing and plans to resign as mayor.
Starmer has been under pressure for months after several ministers left his government. Observers expect Burnham could easily secure the support of 81 Labour MPs needed to trigger a leadership challenge against Starmer.
Source: Tagesschau
