Burnham Candidacy Makes Makerfield Byelection Starmer Test

The upcoming parliamentary byelection in Makerfield has become a critical test for the Labour Party, with the result potentially determining the political future of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The contest, scheduled for June 18, features Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as the Labour candidate, seeking a return to Parliament amid widespread speculation he would then challenge Starmer for the party leadership.

Current polling indicates a tight race. A recent survey placed Labour support at 43 percent, with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK close behind at 40 percent. The right-of-center vote appears fragmented, with the breakaway Restore Britain party, led by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe, polling at 7 percent. Some within Labour believe this split benefits Burnham, though Reform has urged Restore Britain to withdraw its candidate to consolidate opposition to Labour.

The outcome is seen by many in Westminster as a referendum on Starmer’s leadership, which has faced intense pressure following significant Labour losses in local elections earlier this month. Former safeguarding minister Jess Phillips stated publicly that she believes there will be a change of prime minister regardless...