Andy Burnham - Labour Candidate, Makerfield
Andy Burnham — Labour Candidate, Makerfield By-Election 2026
Last updated: 25 May 2026
By-election date: Thursday 18 June 2026
Bio
| Detail |
Info |
| Full name |
Andrew Murray Burnham |
| Age |
56 (born 7 January 1970) |
| Born |
Aintree, Merseyside |
| Home |
Leigh, Greater Manchester |
| Occupation |
Politician (former GM Mayor, former Health Secretary) |
| Education |
St Aelred's Catholic High School; Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge (English & Drama, BA 2:1) |
| Family |
Married to Marie-France van Heel (since 2000), three children |
Political History
| Role |
Years |
| MP for Leigh |
2001–2024 |
| Chief Secretary to the Treasury |
2007–2008 |
| Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport |
2008–2009 |
| Secretary of State for Health |
2009–2010 |
| Shadow Health Secretary |
2010–2011, 2015–2016 |
| Shadow Home Secretary |
2011–2015 |
| Shadow Digital, Culture, Media & Sport |
2016–2017 |
| Mayor of Greater Manchester |
2017–2026 (three terms) |
Selection as Makerfield Candidate
Josh Simons stood down as Makerfield MP to make way for Burnham, who wants to return to Westminster as a springboard for a potential Labour leadership challenge against Keir Starmer. Burnham was confirmed as Labour candidate on 19 May 2026.
Key Statements & Quotes
- Called his campaign a "vote to change Labour" — positioning himself as an alternative to Starmer
- On immigration: says a "stronger grip" is needed, blaming Boris Johnson's government for letting it "drift"
- On the EU: says there is a "long-term case" for UK to return, but won't make it a campaign issue in Makerfield
- Campaign launch (22 May): pitched as a "clarion call for change", promising to shake up "tired" British politics
- On the soft-left/social democratic wing of Labour
- As GM Mayor: prioritised integrated transport (bus franchising, Metrolink expansion), social housing, devolution
- Hillsborough campaign: key figure in pushing for full disclosure and justice
- Advocates for proper social care settlement
Polling
| Date |
Pollster |
Burnham % |
Kenyon % |
Margin |
| 16 May |
Survation |
45% |
42% |
LAB +3 |
| 23 May |
Survation / Sunday Times |
43% |
40% |
LAB +3 |
Key Partnerships & Endorsements
- Keir Starmer: confirmed he WILL campaign for Burnham ("It is Labour versus Reform")
- Lucy Powell (Deputy Labour Leader): campaigned with him in Makerfield
- Darren Jones: senior minister confirmed he'd campaign
- Wes Streeting: backed Burnham as "best chance", said he'd have been accused of "pulling a fast one" if he'd triggered a leadership contest before giving Burnham the chance
What It Means
- If Burnham wins: Labour holds Makerfield but with vastly reduced majority. Labour leadership contest likely.
- If he loses: seismic shock — Reform taking a safe Labour seat would trigger immediate leadership crisis for Starmer
- The race is a knife-edge — Burnham leads Kenyon by just 3 points (within margin of error)
- Burnham does not have to step down as GM Mayor unless he wins the seat
Sources
