Andy Burnham is set to return to Parliament after a decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election, securing 24,927 votes against Reform UK's Robert Kenyon, who garnered 15,696 votes. This win positions Burnham for a potential leadership challenge against Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Mayoral By-Election Called
Burnham's election as MP disqualifies him from serving as Greater Manchester mayor, triggering a by-election for the region's top political post. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has confirmed July 30 as the polling date, with 2.1 million registered voters and an estimated 400,000 postal votes expected.
The GMCA returning officer, Caroline Simpson, stated: "If the Makerfield by-election result triggers a mayoral by-election, Greater Manchester will be legally required to hold a by-election within 25-35 working days. We have identified July 30 as the date which will allow the maximum number of people to vote, whether in person, by post or by proxy."
New Voting System
The election will use supplementary voting, replacing the previous first-past-the-post method. This change, enacted through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act, allows voters to select a first and second preference. If no candidate exceeds 50% in the first round, the top two proceed to a second round where second preferences are counted.
Reform UK criticized the change as a "cynical attempt" to favor Labour, while Labour declined to comment. Lord Hayward, a Conservative peer, argued the order was designed to prevent Reform from winning the mayoralty. Labour's Baroness Taylor of Stevenage defended the timing, stating the government was delivering on commitments made to Parliament.
What Happens Next
Political parties will select candidates for the mayoral by-election, with campaigning expected across all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester. The winner will assume significant responsibilities, including control over transport budgets, bus services, policing oversight, and housing and regeneration funding. The result is anticipated by July 31, with counting occurring the day after polling.
