Sir Keir Starmer has congratulated Andy Burnham on last night’s by-election victory – just as Mr Burnham prepares his bid to take the Prime Minister’s job.
Sir Keir is bracing for a Labour leadership battle already described as “utter chaos” after Mr Burnham romped to victory in the North West.
The new MP needs the support of 81 Labour colleagues to trigger a leadership contest, and last night insiders revealed he does indeed have those numbers.
The new Makerfield MP intends to present the list of his MPs to Sir Keir to pressure him to step down without a race – what some have termed a “coronation” – according to the New Statesman.
“This is a final chance to change,” Mr Burnham said in his victory speech. “There will be no second chance.”
Earlier, his main allies including Louise Haigh, the former minister, had ordered Sir Keir Starmer to make way and let a peaceful transition of power take place.
While Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said she imagined the Prime Minister would reach out to Mr Burnham by the early morning for a conversation if he won the seat.
Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has declared that if Mr Burnham stands in an upcoming race, he will too.
But the beleaguered Prime Minister continues to insist he will not walk away, while loyalists like Home Office Minister Mike Tapp have warned that “all the public will see is utter chaos” if a contest begins.
Mr Tapp added that if Mr Burnham’s agenda was too different from Sir Keir’s, he would also need to call a General Election.
Reform UK suffers ‘worst night since 2024’ in Makerfield and faces ‘very hard path to power’ warns top pollster
Reform UK suffered its worst night since the 2024 general election and faces a “very hard” path to power, a top pollster has warned.
Andy Burnham stormed to victory in the Makerfield by-election, beating Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon by more than 9,000 votes.
Luke Tryl, the UK director of pollster More in Common, said last night’s by-election was a very difficult result for Nigel Farage’s party.
He pointed out there was “barely any” increase in the party’s vote share in Makerfield.
READ THE FULL STORY ON LUKE TRYL’S WARNING HERE
Keir Starmer congratulates victorious Andy Burnham – just as he prepares to fight for his job
Sir Keir Starmer has just congratulated Andy Burnham on his by-election victory – just as Mr Burnham prepares a bid to take his job.
“Congratulations Andy Burnham, Labour’s new MP for Makerfield,” Sir Keir grinned.
“Voters chose Labour’s campaign of hope and optimism over division and hate.”
Pound stable after by-election as it emerges Andy Burham ‘preparing bid to calm markets’
The pound showed little reaction to Andy Burnham’s victory overnight – which had been widely expected by investors.
Sterling remains stable at €1.15 and $1.32 overnight.
The market steadiness comes as the BBC reports that Mr Burnham consulted high-level advisers, especially on economics, in the days before his victory.
The Makerfield MP has been taking advice from ex-Treasury Minister Lord O’Neill in a sign he is preparing programmes for national policy, and to reassure the markets of stability should he become Prime Minister.
He has also been advised by the former OBR chairman Richard Hughes, who resigned in December after overseeing an IT leak that threw Rachel Reeves’s Budget into chaos.
Mr Burnham has opened the door to reforming strict borrowing rules – for example to allow for defence spending increases.
Though he has since said he would stick to the rules.
After he confirmed his intention to stand as an MP, the pound fell to a one-month low.
“The markets hate uncertainty, but they hate a political vacuum even more,” Nigel Green, the chief executive of deVere Group, said at the time.
“A Cabinet resignation followed by a leadership fight would signal that the Government is losing control of itself while investors are already questioning the country’s fiscal direction.”
‘Reform CAN win Manchester mayoral race’, councillor vows
Reform UK can win the Manchester mayoral race sparked by Andy Burnham’s by-election win, Reform councillor Natalie Rebecca Oliver has said.
Speaking on GB News, Ms Oliver offered a bullish prediction ahead of the race – which is set to take place within the next 35 days.
Sir Keir Starmer, meanwhile, said the election would be “very important” some days ago – and that his party were “going to have to pull our sleeves up to make sure that there is another Labour victory”.
The Prime Minister also indicated that he would offer Mr Burnham a Cabinet job if he wins in Makerfield, telling reporters: “I hope he wins the by-election and he’ll play a big part in the Labour Government.”
But just days ago, Labour was accused of changing election rules to stop Reform UK winning the race.
Lord Hayward, a Conservative peer and former MP, said the Government was rushing to change the way mayors are elected.
Peers on Tuesday approved the Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (Amendment) Order 2026, which would revert mayoral elections to the supplementary vote system, where voters get a first and second preference candidate choice.
Keir Starmer braces for ‘utter chaos’ as victorious Andy Burnham turns sights on No10
Sir Keir Starmer is bracing for a Labour leadership battle already described as “utter chaos” after Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election.
Mr Burnham romped to victory in the North West this morning, and is now set to march south to Westminster and stand to replace the Prime Minister.
He needs the support of 81 Labour MPs to trigger a leadership contest, and last night insiders revealed he does indeed have those numbers.
The new Makerfield MP intends to present the list of his MPs to Sir Keir to pressure him to step down without a race – what some have termed a “coronation” – according to the New Statesman.
“This is a final chance to change,” Mr Burnham said in his victory speech. “There will be no second chance.”
Earlier, his main allies including Louise Haigh, the former minister, had ordered Sir Keir Starmer to make way and let a peaceful transition of power take place.
While Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said she imagined the Prime Minister would reach out to Mr Burnham by the early morning for a conversation if he won the seat.
Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has declared that if Mr Burnham stands in an upcoming race, he will too.
But the beleaguered Prime Minister continues to insist he will not walk away, while loyalists like Home Office Minister Mike Tapp have warned that “all the public will see is utter chaos” if a contest begins.
Mr Tapp added that if Mr Burnham’s agenda was too different from Sir Keir’s, he would also need to call a General Election.
Polling guru Sir John Curtice issues dire prediction for Labour despite Andy Burnham victory
Polling guru Sir John Curtice has issued his prediction for Labour’s nationwide prospects after Andy Burnham’s victory in Makerfield.
“In a sense,” Sir John told the BBC, “he was riding two horses at once.”
“He was both riding as the person who was trying to appeal to the traditional Labour vote… and he was also able to appeal to those who wanted to see the back of Keir Starmer.
“The question you have to ask yourself is when Mr Burnham becomes Prime Minister, how easy will that trick be to repeat?
“Once he’s his own man, he’s not going to be able to campaign against himself in the way he’s campaigned against Keir Starmer.”
He added: “I don’t think we should assume that there is going to be suddenly a dramatic change in the standing of the Labour Party in the national opinion polls.”
Lisa Nandy: ‘I won’t resign from Keir Starmer’s Cabinet’
Andy Burnham ally Lisa Nandy has vowed not to resign from Sir Keir Starmer’s Cabinet after Andy Burnham’s by-election triumph.
Ms Nandy told reporters: “I’m not going to. Of course not. I’ve never walked away from the promise that we made to the people of this country until we’ve delivered it.
“I’ve proudly served in the Prime Minister’s Cabinet for the last six years. Over the last two months, I’ve been inundated with questions about a leadership contest. Instead, we’ve been getting on with the job and delivering.”
She said that with Mr Burnham back in “the top team… helping to drive that change”, Labour would be in a “really strong position”.
Andy Burnham risks sparking row with Donald Trump – before he even becomes PM
Andy Burnham branded the politics of Donald Trump’s America “dark and divided” in his victory speech in Makerfield.
In what could spark a rift with the White House before Mr Burnham even enters Downing Street, the new MP vowed to “turn away” from the States’ “dark politics” and “build a new politics based on unity and hope”.
“There is a chance now from this result tonight to build a new politics based on unity and hope,” he said.
“Turning away from the path that takes us to a divided, dark politics of the kind we see in the United States.
“We must now take this path and put this country back on the right path and bring people back together and get things working properly again.”
Tories claim result is ‘disastrous’ for Reform UK – after receiving just TWO per cent of vote
The Conservatives have claimed the Makerfield by-election result is “disastrous” for Reform UK – after receiving just over two per cent of the vote.
“There is no disguising the fact that this is a disastrous result for Reform,” a party spokesman said.
“Makerfield was one of their top target seats anywhere in the country, yet despite throwing everything at it, they have failed to win.”
Tory candidate Michael Winstanley received just 997 votes in the seat.
Labour congratulates Andy Burnham on return to Westminster
Labour has just congratulated Andy Burnham on his return to Westminster on social media.
Sir Keir Starmer’s party issued the warm message just as Mr Burnham said it was a “wrench” to be resigning as the Mayor of Greater Manchester – setting up a by-election which will cost taxpayers £5million.
The new Labour MP for Makerfield said: “It is with some sadness that this result brings an end to my wonderful nine years as Mayor of Greater Manchester.
“This city-region has given so much to me and it is a wrench to leave the job I love, but I am not leaving the service of Greater Manchester.
“I have always been clear that it can’t achieve everything it should be, and we can’t close the north-south divide, and we can’t make all the great English cities be what they should be without big change at the national level.”
How did Reform UK do versus Restore Britain?
In the end, Reform UK finished some 20 percentage points behind Labour’s Andy Burnham.
Robert Kenyon, the “plucky plumber”, secured more than 15,000 votes on the campaign trail.
Though his total came to five times as many as Restore Britain’s Rebecca Shepherd.
She finished in third with 3,111 votes – 6.8 per cent of the total.
Pollsters had tipped Reform and Labour for a much tighter finish, with Restore Britain’s share potentially costing Nigel Farage’s party a win.
But Restore leader Rupert Lowe said votes did not “belong” to any party as counting was underway.
Andy Burnham warns Labour faces ‘final chance to change’ as he sets up pitch to turf out Keir Starmer
Andy Burnham has warned that Labour faces a “final chance to change” in his victory speech – an opening pitch as an MP for his Labour leadership campaign.
The new Makerfield MP said the by-election could be a “turning point” to bring about the “change” which Britain needs.
“Everyone knows that politics isn’t working. Everyone can feel that the country isn’t where it should be. Tonight could, just could, be the turning point,” he said.
“From here on I will give everything I have got to make it so. To ensure the name Makerfield is forever synonymous with bringing about the change this country needs.”
Makerfield by-election: Read results in full
Tonight’s results in full:
Labour: 24,937 – 54.8 per cent (+9.6 per cent);
Reform UK: 15,696 – 34.5 per cent (+2.7 per cent);
Restore Britain: 3,111 – 6.8 per cent (+6.8 per cent);
Conservative: 997 – 2.2 per cent (-8.7 per cent);
Green: 308 – 0.7 per cent (-3.7 per cent);
Liberal Democrats: 163 – 0.4 per cent (-6.4 per cent).
BREAKING: Andy Burnham wins Makerfield by-election and sets up Labour war to give Keir Starmer the boot
Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election, setting the wheels in motion for a Labour leadership race and a battle for No10.
Mr Burnham won the seat with 24,927 votes.
Turnout increased in the seat compared to the General Election, rising to 58.8 per cent.
Earlier, his main allies including Louise Haigh, the former minister, had ordered Sir Keir Starmer to make way and let a peaceful transition of power take place.
While Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said she imagined the Prime Minister would reach out to Mr Burnham by the early morning for a conversation if he won the seat.
Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has declared that if Mr Burnham stands in an upcoming race, he will too.
But the beleaguered Prime Minister continues to insist he will not walk away.
Andy Burnham and Josh Simons seen HUGGING in Wigan
Andy Burnham and Josh Simons, the Labour MP whose resignation triggered the by-election, were spotted embracing as they waited for the result to be announced.
Mr Simons gave up his seat to let the Greater Manchester Mayor return to Parliament on May 15.
The ex-minister said it “was too big an opportunity to miss” and that Labour had been “imploding” under Sir Keir Starmer.
In Aberdeen… Top Tory Andrew Bowie hails ‘extraordinary victory’ in ‘North Sea referendum’
Shadow Scottish Secretary Andrew Bowie, reacting to the result of the Aberdeen South by-election, said: “This is an extraordinary victory for Douglas Lumsden MP and the Conservatives.
“This is the first time that the Conservative Party has gained a Westminster Parliamentary by-election in Scotland since 1967.
“We said this election was a referendum on the future of North Sea oil and gas, and Aberdeen has spoken loud and clear. Let’s get Britain drilling now.
“I look forward to Douglas joining the Conservative team in Westminster, where I know he will work tirelessly to hold Ed Miliband to account and stand up for the people of Aberdeen.”
Ex-minister Louise Haigh demands peaceful transition of power ahead of potential Labour war
Former minister Louise Haigh has said Sir Keir Starmer should set out an orderly transition of power if Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election.
“I hope, if things go the way way we want them to tonight that Keir Starmer takes the time to reflect on these results, reflect on the results just six weeks ago and do what’s best for both the country and the Labour Party,” she told the BBC.
“I hope that he will consider an orderly and managed transition. We have said that the party is in an existential crisis and things cannot continue.
“It was quite clear , after the local elections, unfortunately he considered that business as usual would suffice.
“Andy has, potentially, shown tonight what a changed Labour Party can bring and how we can beat the rise of Reform because without that optimism and without that on the ballot paper then we will see a Reform Prime Minister at the next general election.”
Andy Burnham arrives
Andy Burnham has just arrived for the count in Wigan.
The Greater Manchester Mayor is smiling and laughing with allies Lisa Nandy and ex-Transport Secretary Louise Haigh…
Labour ‘quietly confident’ of winning Makerfield by-election – with result expected shortly
A result in Makerfield is expected within the next hour – and Labour are feeling “quietly confident”, sources have told GB News.
Sarah Pochin is speaking to Britain’s News Channel now. She earlier told GB News Reform UK would be “very happy” to come a strong second.
SNP wins Arbroath & Broughty Ferry by-election in second Scottish result of night
In Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, the second Scottish referendum of the night, the SNP has retained its seat – with Lara Bird elected to the Commons.
The SNP candidate received 9,802 votes, with the Conservatives receiving 4,524, Reform UK receiving 4,341, Labour receiving 3,651, and the Liberal Democrats receiving 1,452.
Confirmed: Tories secure landmark win in ‘North Sea oil referendum’ Aberdeen South by-election
The Conservatives have achieved a landmark win in the constituency of Aberdeen South, in what was described as a referendum on North Sea oil.
Scottish Tory MSP Douglas Lumsden seized the seat from the SNP by more than 6,000 votes, with 14,308 on the night.
“The people of Aberdeen have given a resounding answer: That we back the oil and gas industry,” Mr Lumsden said after the count was read out.
The historic win marks only the fifth time this century the Tories have gained a seat at a Westminster by-election.
The last time was Hartlepool in May 2021, when Jill Mortimer took the seat from Labour with a swing of almost 16%, a result which piled pressure on Sir Keir Starmer, who was then leader of the opposition.
READ THE FULL BREAKING NEWS STORY HERE
Stephen Flynn mourns loss of Aberdeen South as Tories set to march to victory
The SNP’s Stephen Flynn, who gave up his Aberdeen South seat for a place in Holyrood, has just issued his reaction to tonight’s by-election.
“A tough night in Aberdeen that some will need to reflect on, quite heavily,” the ex-MP said.
“We lost Aberdeen South to the Tories in 2017, and we won it back two years later.
“I’ve no doubt that we can do so again. If we get things right.”
BREAKING: SNP concedes defeat to Conservatives in ‘North Sea oil referendum’ Aberdeen South by-election
The SNP have conceded defeat in Aberdeen South to the Conservatives – a huge win for Kemi Badenoch’s party, who appear to have won what’s been billed as a referendum on North Sea oil.
A senior source said it was the “Tories’ night”, but pledged to “win it back in 2029”.
The campaign for Aberdeen South became a battle over the future of oil and gas, with the Conservatives, Reform and the SNP vying to persuade those in the city – dubbed the energy capital of Europe – they support the industry the most.
Candidates reported the fate of the industry was one of the key issues coming up on the doorsteps during canvassing sessions.
Former MP Richard Thomson is running for the SNP, while the Tory candidate is MSP Douglas Lumsden.
Labour was accused of having all but forgotten the two Scottish by-elections just days ago.
“I don’t even know who our candidates are,” a senior Labour source admitted to GB News.
Aberdeen South marked another test of the so-called Tory comeback following the party’s disastrous 2024 General Election showing.
“Voters in Aberdeen South can turn this by-election into a referendum on the future of the North Sea oil and gas industry,” Mrs Badenoch said last month.
The Leader of the Opposition went on to describe it as “utter madness” not to drill for liquid gold off the Scottish coast.
Rupert Lowe speaks to GB News – and declares: ‘Votes do NOT belong to Reform UK’
Rupert Lowe has just spoken to GB News – where he has defended his Restore Britain party against claims of “vote-splitting” and potentially handing Makerfield to Reform UK.
“Votes do not belong to anyone,” he says. “They don’t belong to me. They don’t belong to Reform. They belong to nobody.”
We’ll bring you the latest from Mr Lowe’s interview as soon as we get it…
Turnout in Makerfield higher than General Election
We’ve just heard the turnout figures in Makerfield.
Some 58.75 per cent of the electorate has turned up to vote in this by-election that’s up from 52.4 per cent at the 2024 General Election.
Lisa Nandy showers Andy Burnham with praise as counting continues in Makerfield
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has said that the fact Andy Burnham is even in contention to win is a testament to his strength as a candidate after Reform UK won Wigan Council at the May 7 elections.
Speaking to GB News, Ms Nandy said a victory for the Greater Manchester Mayor would be an “historic win”.
“It would give Andy Burnham a very loud voice at the top of national politics. He has proved he can run a hopeful campaign,” she said.
Asked whether she would like Sir Keir Starmer to set out a timetable for his exit if Mr Burnham returns to the House of Commons, she told the BBC: “Obviously I’d expect the Prime Minister to pick up the phone to a winning by-election candidate to congratulate him and I’m sure he will do that, and I’m sure there’ll be a conversation between them.
“But it’s far too early to talk about these things.”
Jess Phillips: ‘Keir Starmer should be given a dignified exit’
Ex-Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips has called for Sir Keir Starmer to be given a “dignified exit” should Andy Burnham win Makerfield.
Ms Phillips has just outlined her ideal outcome to the BBC – Mr Burnham wins, Sir Keir is given the chance to make a “dignified” departure.
But she added that she did not want to see “chaos” with lots of ministers resigning alongside the Prime Minister.
She resigned as a minister last month.
Makerfield result ‘expected at 3am’
Council officials in Makerfield have told The Guardian they expect the result by around 3am.
In Aberdeen South… SNP ‘pessimistic’ over fortunes in ‘referendum on North Sea oil’
It’s understood that senior SNP figures are pessimistic about the party’s fortunes in Aberdeen South.
Sources have said early sampling of postal votes shows a heavy tactical vote skewed towards the Scottish Tory candidate Douglas Lumsden.
Tory sources have suggested the party is “cautiously optimistic”, but emphasised it was still early in the counting process.
The by-election, billed as a referendum on North Sea oil, is also expected to have a particularly low turnout.
IN DEPTH: How Labour ditched two ‘forgotten by-elections’ for Andy Burnham’s battle and threw the Tories a North Sea lifeline
Reform counsel caution as by-election count ‘way too close to call’
A Reform source at the Makerfield count has warned the crunch vote is still “way too close to call”.
Counting is underway in Wigan – but it was “way too early” to make any kind of prediction, the source said.
He added that canvassing had been “really positive” – but said the party would have a better idea of how it had done after the verification process was complete.
Revealed: Keir Starmer held Downing Street meeting to rally ‘core supporters’ ahead of potential leadership war
Sir Keir Starmer held a major Downing Street meeting last night in a pre-by-election bid to gee up his core supporters.
Around 30 MPs were at the meeting – at which David Lammy and Bridget Philipson spoke, according to Sky News.
The Prime Minister was said to have been “remarkably upbeat” – despite the looming prospect of losing his job.
He is thought to have admitted Labour’s local election results were a disaster – and even that he had made mistakes – but claimed the overall trajectory of of Britain under his watch was positive.
One source told the broadcaster that MPs were impressed by Sir Keir’s “energy and resilience”, and backed his arguments for staying on.
But in a dire warning of things to come, even his backers doubted he could win over the Labour membership if there is leadership contest.
Andy Burnham believed to have support of 81 MPs and will seek to challenge Keir Starmer
Andy Burnham is said to have a list of 81 MPs who will support the Mayor of Greater Manchester in a leadership contest to oust Sir Keir Starmer from No10.
The Makerfield hopeful will urge the Prime Minister to step aside without a race, several sources told The New Statesman.
However, it is understood that Mr Burnham does not have any plan to launch a leadership contest within the next few days.
Reform MP accuses Restore Britain of ‘utter betrayal of Britain’ if it splits right-wing vote
Reform MP Sarah Pochin has accused Restore Britain of committing an “utter betrayal of Britain” if it splits the right-wing vote in the make-or-break by-election.
Fears over the divided vote have spiralled since the polls began to indicate that Rupert Lowe’s backers were allowing Mr Burnham’s to storm ahead in support.
Reform UK gearing up for ‘highest ever by-election percentage’ in fight against Andy Burnham
Reform UK is gearing up for its “highest ever by-electio percentage” in its fight against Andy Burnham, an insider shared.
In the contest dubbed a “two-horse race” between Reform’s Robert Kenyon and the Manchester mayor, a Reform source said that they feel “very good”.
“Our vote has turned out today and we will get our highest-ever by-election percentage,” they added.
Reform MP Sarah Pochin, who won her seat last with a majority of six votes, took home 38.7 per cent of the share.
Andy Burnham issues statement as polls close in crunch contest
Andy Burnham has issued a statement after polls closed at 10pm in the Wigan constituency.
Mr Burnham said: “A huge thanks to the people of the Makerfield constituency for your patience and good humour over the last five weeks.
“My thanks too to the many volunteers who came up to support my campaign. We ran a very positive one and can be proud of it!”
Reform UK accuses Restore Britain of ‘dirty tricks’ as ‘Muslims for Reform’ van ignites furore
Reform UK has accused Restore Britain of “dirty tricks” after a “Muslims for Reform” van ignited furore on the final day of the heated campaign.
In a now-deleted post, Restore leader Rupert Lowe shared photos online of the controversial vehicle, writing online: “Seen in Makerfield this morning. We do not want this divisive identity politics in our politics.”
But Reform UK chastised their right-wing rivals and subsequently reported the van to Greater Manchester Police.
Labour set to emerge victorious from Makerfield contest as Restore Britain splits right-wing vote
Labour is set to emerge victorious from the Makerfield contest as Restore Britain is projected to split the right-wing vote.
The latest weighted average for the by-election polling puts Labour on 46.9 per cent, with Reform UK trailing behind in second place on 39.4 per cent.
However, Rupert Lowe’s support of seven per cent has divided the vote on the right, paving the way for Mr Burnham to return to Westminster.
‘We knew this would be a tough fight’: Labour deputy leader thanks Makerfield campaigners ahead of count
Labour’s deputy leader Lucy Powell has admitted that Makerfield was a “tough fight” as she heaped praise onto Makerfield’s campaigners.
“Our great candidate, Andy Burnham, and our fantastic Labour team have run a positive campaign focused on the people of the Makerfield constituency,” she said.
The Manchester Central MP continued: “We knew this would be a tough fight, given Reform did so well here just a few weeks ago, but the Labour movement came together to show we are well up for that fight.
“While it will be some hours before we know the result, I want to say a huge thank you to the hundreds and hundreds of activists and volunteers who have helped with this campaign.
“Together, we’ve spoken to a record number of residents and shared our Labour message of hope and optimism.
“Labour will continue working every day for the people of this country, putting our values into action and delivering the fairer future communities want to see.”
Polls close in three by-elections across country
Polls have closed in three Westminster by-elections across Britain this evening.
Residents across Makerfield, Arbroath and Broughty Ferry and Aberdeen South all headed to cast their vote earlier today.
