Andy Burnham celebrated with supporters at a victory rally at Ashton Town FC, following his landslide win in the Makerfield by-election. The event, marked by jubilation and a swift exit, underscored the growing pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
A Victory Beyond Expectations
After partying into the early hours, supporters gathered for the victory rally, which concluded with Burnham's hasty departure. When pressed by Sky's political editor Beth Rigby about becoming prime minister, Burnham dodged the question, weaving past cameras and supporters before breaking into a jog. His escape symbolized the awkward transition of power in British politics.
Louise Haigh, Burnham's campaign manager, later confirmed that a leadership campaign was ready if Starmer refused to step down. "I hope the prime minister reflects on this result," she said, noting that a contest would be brutal and unlikely to favor Starmer.
Scale of the Win
Burnham secured a majority of 9,231, nearly double that of his predecessor Josh Simons in 2024. With 54% of the vote, he finished 20 points ahead of Reform UK, despite Nigel Farage's party gaining 2.7 percentage points. Wes Streeting, a rival leadership hopeful, congratulated Burnham, saying the campaign proved Labour must change to win.
Starmer sought to claim the victory, insisting the result showed "the tide is turning on Reform." He urged unity, warning against plunging the party into chaos. "If there is a contest, I will stand," he said, with aides insisting he was not bluffing.
Farage's Disappointment
Nigel Farage expressed disappointment with Reform UK's 16,000 votes, below his target of 18,000. He urged voters who backed Restore Britain to reconsider.
Behind the Scenes
Burnham's inner circle realized the scale of victory shortly after polls closed. Data showed they were ahead in the "vast majority" of wards. At the campaign HQ in Stubshaw Cross, staff refused to believe early data suggesting 65% support. By midnight, the win was described as "beyond our wildest dreams." Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy was seen grinning uncontrollably.
At 1:30 am, a Reform aide conceded privately, and by 4 am, the party was in full swing. Burnham arrived with his family, commandeering the playlist with New Order's "Your Silent Face," Dua Lipa, the Smiths, and Oasis. Celebrations lasted until 6 am.
The Rally and Aftermath
At the victory rally, Burnham praised his campaign team, particularly the "strong northern power women" behind him. He outlined his vision: cutting water, energy, and rail fares, focusing on vocational education, reindustrializing the north, and backing British businesses. "This now is the change moment," he declared, a clear signal of his leadership ambitions.
