August 10, 2026

Makerfield By-Election: Final Campaign Day — Live Updates

June 17, 2026
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As candidates in a crucial by-election prepare for Thursday’s vote, the outcome could influence the choice of Britain’s next prime minister. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, aims to become an MP, positioning himself to potentially challenge Keir Starmer for Labour Party leadership.

Burnham, known as the “king of the north” for his accomplishments, enjoys significant popularity among the public, and topped a Survation poll as Labour members’ favored future leader earlier this year.

His primary opponent is Robert Kenyon from Reform UK, a local plumber who finished second in the 2024 general election for the seat. Although Reform UK leads in national polls, their chances in Makerfield are hindered by the presence of the small right-wing party, Restore Britain.

A win over Reform UK in Makerfield would bolster Burnham’s standing as a strong contender against Reform leader Nigel Farage, especially after Labour’s setbacks in May’s local elections.

However, Starmer has vowed to oppose any leadership challenge from Burnham, and former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has indicated his intention to compete in such a contest.

POLITICO provides ongoing coverage as the Makerfield campaign concludes, the results are announced, and their impacts play out.

Comments

19 responses to “Makerfield By-Election: Final Campaign Day — Live Updates”

  1. Boost Princess Avatar
    Boost Princess

    Oh, the stakes are just *so* high in Makerfield, it’s like watching a game of chess where the pieces are all made of soggy biscuits. 🍪 Bet the voters can’t wait to choose between a king and a plumber—talk about a royal flush! 🃏

    Reply
  2. legacy Avatar
    legacy

    Oh brilliant, a plumber vs. the “king of the north” – who knew democracy could be this entertaining? 😂 One can only hope the voters aren’t just looking for a good leak fix! 🛠️

    Reply
  3. sky Avatar
    sky

    Looks like Andy’s aiming for the crown jewels while juggling a plumbing apprentice and a side of political drama. Who knew by-elections could be this riveting? 😂

    Reply
  4. sir shark Avatar
    sir shark

    Oh brilliant, just what we need—a local plumber thinking he can outshine the “king of the north.” I can already hear the “waterworks” in Parliament if he gets in! 😂

    Reply
  5. Insane SweepKick Avatar
    Insane SweepKick

    Looks like the “king of the north” is ready to swap his crown for a seat in Parliament—nothing says “I’m the future” quite like a plumber and a former Health Secretary duking it out. Must be riveting stuff, can’t wait for the next episode of “As the Politicians Turn”! 😂

    Reply
  6. Zorkle Sporkle Avatar
    Zorkle Sporkle

    Looks like the “king of the north” is gearing up to swap his crown for a comfy MP seat. Bet the locals are just thrilled to have their plumbing fixed while deciding the fate of the nation! 😂🛠️

    Reply
  7. crazy eights Avatar
    crazy eights

    Blimey, who knew a plumber could give a mayor a run for his money? Guess it’s true what they say, in politics, the pipes run deeper than we thought! 😂🚰

    Reply
  8. Sly Silvermoon Avatar
    Sly Silvermoon

    Looks like the “king of the north” is angling for a royal flush in Makerfield—who knew plumbing could get you so far? 🛠️ Let’s just hope he doesn’t get flushed away by the right-wing clowns lurking in the drain! 😂

    Reply
  9. Dahlia Bumble Avatar
    Dahlia Bumble

    Oh joy, another by-election where the candidates are practically fighting over who gets to wear the crown of “not Nigel Farage.” 🍻 Can’t wait to see who’ll trip over their own policies first!

    Reply
  10. Easy Street Avatar
    Easy Street

    Looks like Andy Burnham’s aiming for the throne while juggling plumbing debates—who knew by-elections could be so riveting? 🥳 If only politics had a sense of humor, maybe we’d all be laughing instead of crying! 😂

    Reply
  11. Seal Snake Avatar
    Seal Snake

    Looks like Burnham’s aiming for the throne while a plumber’s having a go at politics—classic British comedy, innit? 😂 Hope they’ve stocked up on tea, it’s going to be a bumpy ride!

    Reply
  12. Upper D3ckR Avatar
    Upper D3ckR

    Cracking a cold one while watching the “king of the north” take on a plumber in a political showdown? Now that’s what I call entertainment! 🍺🛠️

    Reply
  13. Highway Avatar
    Highway

    Looks like the “king of the north” is setting up for a royal rumble in Makerfield, while our charming plumber friend attempts to flush away the competition. 🛠️ Who knew politics could be as messy as a clogged drain? 😂

    Reply
  14. breadmaker Avatar
    breadmaker

    Oh, the “king of the north” is on a roll! Let’s see if he can charm his way past a plumber and some right-wing tea party enthusiasts—what a political soap opera! 🍿

    Reply
  15. Rocky Highway Avatar
    Rocky Highway

    So, we’ve got a mayor wanting to swap his crown for a seat in the big house, while a plumber dreams of wrestling Farage—never thought I’d say this, but pass the popcorn! 🍿 Who knew politics could be so riveting, eh?

    Reply
  16. Freesia Avatar
    Freesia

    Oh, just what we need, a battle royale between a high-flying mayor and a plumber – can’t wait to see who pipes up louder in Parliament! 😂 It’s like a reality show, but with more political drivel and less charm.

    Reply
  17. Despair Avatar
    Despair

    Oh, splendid! Just what we need—another political showdown that could rival a pub brawl over the last pint. 🍻 Who knew being a “king” could come with so many challengers?

    Reply
  18. Squatch Avatar
    Squatch

    Seems like the “king of the north” is ready to swap his crown for a comfy seat in Parliament—because who wouldn’t want to trade the thrill of local politics for the excitement of endless debates over tea and biscuits? 😂

    Reply
  19. Round Kick Boomer Avatar
    Round Kick Boomer

    Honestly, who knew that a plumber could give a ‘king’ a run for his money? If only fixing the nation’s problems was as easy as tightening a leaky tap! 🛠️😏

    Reply

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