Andy Burnham of the Labour Party won a key seat in the United Kingdom’s Parliament, clearing the path for him to challenge Keir Starmer as prime minister.

In the red corner, of course, the embattled – and surely now doomed – Labour leader and prime minister, Keir Starmer, who, if he was still up at 3.00 am, will have watched Andy Burnham being announced not only as the next MP for Makerfield,

Andy Burnham, the current mayor of Greater Manchester, has won a special election for a seat in Parliament that puts him in a position to challenge embattled British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Labour’s Andy Burnham, the current mayor of Greater Manchester, has won a special election for a seat in Parliament that puts him in a position to challenge embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Burnham won the seat of Makerfield in northwest England over Rob Kenyon of the anti-immigration party Reform UK.

Labour's Andy Burnham returns to Westminster - he's expected to challenge Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. Release date: 19 June 2026

Andy Burnham said Labour has a "final chance to change" after his victory in the Makerfield by-election paved the way for him to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the party leadership. Burnham said his win could mark a "turning point" for the country,

Andy Burnham will make his return to Westminster after winning the Makerfield by-election. The Mayor of Greater Manchester swept to to victory as he held on to the Labour stronghold with a majority of 9241.

Andy Burnham will not take a job in Sir Keir Starmer’s Government if he wins the Makerfield by-election, sources close to the potential Labour leadership challenger have said.Allies of the Mayor of Greater Manchester ruled out Mr Burnham accepting a role in a government led by Sir Keir,