Labour has officially confirmed Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as its candidate for the upcoming Makerfield by-election, setting the stage for a high-profile contest next month. The party announced the decision on Tuesday afternoon, May 19, shortly after Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds formally triggered the by-election in the House of Commons.
By-Election Date and Context
The vote is expected to take place on June 18, following the resignation of incumbent MP Josh Simons. Simons stepped aside to allow Burnham to stand, stating he believes 'Andy is the one to lead' the party. Speaking on Monday, Burnham outlined his campaign, insisting that anyone backing him will be voting to 'change Labour, because Labour needs to change.'
Selection Process
It is understood that Burnham was the only candidate shortlisted for selection by Labour's ruling National Executive Committee, bypassing a vote by the local party. YouGov polling suggests that the Greater Manchester Mayor is Labour members' preferred candidate for leader, with 47% saying he would be their first choice, compared to 31% for Sir Keir Starmer.
Reform UK Candidate
Reform UK has confirmed its candidate for the by-election following success in local elections held on May 7, where the party gained 1,453 councillor positions, an increase of 1,451 seats. Self-employed plumber Robert Kenyon, who previously served as an army reservist and worked as a specialist technician for the NHS in Lancashire, will stand. Kenyon lost to Labour in the 2024 general election.
Other Candidates
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has confirmed the party intends to stand in the by-election, as have the Green Party and Liberal Democrats. On Monday, the right-wing party Restore Britain, led by former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, named Rebecca Shepherd as its candidate.
