Andy Burnham seeks Parliament seat in high-stakes special election that could determine Britain's next prime minister
Andy Burnham, the popular mayor of Greater Manchester, is running in a special election on June 18 in the Makerfield constituency to secure a Parliament seat, with a strong possibility he could challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for Labour leadership. The election has drawn unusual international attention because it may reshape British politics, with the hard-right Reform UK party—led by Nigel Farage—making significant gains in a traditionally Labour stronghold. The contest reflects broader tensions over immigration and voter dissatisfaction with Starmer's government, which has struggled with economic growth and public service delivery since winning office in July 2024.
About 75,000 voters in northwest England's Makerfield constituency will decide a special election on June 18 that could have seismic consequences for British politics. Andy Burnham, the 56-year-old Labour mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017, is running to secure a Parliament seat, which he needs to mount a leadership challenge against embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The election has drawn unusual international media attention because a Burnham victory could lead to his replacing Starmer as both party leader and prime minister. However, Burnham faces a serious challenge from Reform UK, the hard-right party led by veteran anti-immigration politician Nigel Farage, which won 24 of 25 council seats in recent local elections in the area—a striking result in a district that has elected Labour lawmakers for 120 years. The election is taking place amid heightened tensions over immigration, with a recent stabbing in Belfast triggering violent protests, and voters in the constituency expressing concerns that recent arrivals are straining housing and public services. Starmer's Labour government has floundered since July 2024, struggling to deliver promised economic growth, repair public services, and ease the cost of living, prompting calls for his resignation from within his own party.
What different sources said
- AP NewsCenter
The ‘King of the North’ seeks a path to becoming Britain’s next leader in a special election
- ABC News InternationalCenter
'King of the North' seeks path to becoming Britain's next leader in special election
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