Voting has begun in the Makerfield byelection, a pivotal event that could impact Keir Starmer's political future. The byelection follows the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons, paving the way for Andy Burnham's potential return to parliament.
Key points
Voting has started in the Makerfield byelection.
The byelection follows Josh Simons' resignation.
Andy Burnham is a key candidate aiming to return to parliament.
The outcome could impact Keir Starmer's future.
Mentioned in this story
Keir StarmerJosh SimonsAndy BurnhamMakerfieldWiganLabour Party
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Hello and welcome to the UK politics live blog.
The people of Makerfield, a constituency sitting just outside of Wigan, have at last begun voting in what could be one of the most consequential byelections in British political history.
Since Labour MP Josh Simons resigned to allow the mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham a clear run at returning to parliament – and the opportunity to become prime minister – residents have been inundated with party campaigners and reporters.
Yesterday Burnham urged people to “vote to change politics” and said he would take the “fight as high as I can possibly take it”.
But, despite the seat being considered one of Labour’s safest (it has been red since its creation in 1983), the governing party face a stiff challenge in the shape of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
A Reform UK placard of their byelection candidate Robert Kenyon stands outside a home on June 03, 2026 in Ashton-in-Makerfield, England.
A Reform UK placard of their byelection candidate Robert Kenyon stands outside a home on June 03, 2026 in Ashton-in-Makerfield, England. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Although the Reform candidate Robert Kenyon’s campaign has been bogged down with the revelation of historic sexist social media post and, shall we say, less than impressive media performances under scrutiny, pollsters have the contest a close run thing.
It comes as Starmer on Wednesday said he was willing to offer the mayor of Greater Manchester a “big” job in his government, should Burnham win when Thursday’s votes are counted.
But allies of Burnham said he was not interested in the offer, insisting “the benefit Andy has is the wind of change for not having been associated with the government’s failings”.
Q&A
What is the significance of the Makerfield byelection for Keir Starmer?
The Makerfield byelection is crucial as it could influence Keir Starmer's leadership and the Labour Party's direction.
Who resigned to trigger the Makerfield byelection?
Labour MP Josh Simons resigned, allowing Andy Burnham a chance to run for parliament.
What did Andy Burnham say about the byelection?
Andy Burnham urged voters to 'vote to change politics' and expressed his commitment to elevate the fight for political change.
Where is the Makerfield constituency located?
The Makerfield constituency is situated just outside of Wigan in the UK.
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Greater Manchester mayor and Labour candidate Andy Burnham delivers a speech on apprenticeships, ahead of the June 18 Makerfield by-election, in Wigan, Britain, June 13, 2026.
Greater Manchester mayor and Labour candidate Andy Burnham delivers a speech on apprenticeships, ahead of the June 18 Makerfield by-election, in Wigan, Britain, June 13, 2026. Photograph: Temilade Adelaja/Reuters
Burnham and his allies are reported to be hoping for a “coronation” in which Starmer stands aside, rather than a leadership contest, which they believe would be damaging to the Labour party’s brand, according to the Times.
But the prime minister has repeatedly made it clear he has no intention of standing down and says that he will fight any challenge to his leadership.
What is certain is that the next 24 hours will prove to be a pivotal moment for this Labour government and, in particular, the prime minister.
Please be aware that the Guardian, like other new outlets, is not allowed to report details of campaigning or election issues while polls are still open today – they close at 10pm.
A person at the St Aidan’s Parish Centre polling station with their dog in Wigan, Britain, 18 June 2026.
A person at the St Aidan’s Parish Centre polling station with their dog in Wigan, Britain, 18 June 2026. Photograph: Adam Vaughan/EPA
But you can follow our blog for all the latest in UK politics, as well as I am sure plenty of photos of dogs at polling stations. Because, let’s face it, that really is the true meaning of any British election.
Reform UK’s candidate Robert Kenyon has visited St Aidan’s Parish Centre in Wigan, accompanied by party leader Nigel Farage, to cast his vote in today’s byelection.
Kenyon was pictured wearing a replica England shirt (looks like Italia 90 to me, most closely associated with Gazza blubbing at the end of a hard-fought contest…), following last night’s World Cup win for Thomas Tuchel’s men.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and party candidate Robert Kenyon outside St Aidan’s Parish Centre in Wigan, before Kenyon casts his vote in the Makerfield by-election, which was triggered by the resignation of Josh Simons.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and party candidate Robert Kenyon outside St Aidan’s Parish Centre in Wigan, before Kenyon casts his vote in the Makerfield by-election, which was triggered by the resignation of Josh Simons. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA
Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon, wearing an England football shirt as he casts his vote in the Makerfield by-election at St Aidan’s Parish Centre
Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon, wearing an England football shirt as he casts his vote in the Makerfield by-election at St Aidan’s Parish Centre Photograph: Victoria Jones/Shutterstock
Hello and welcome to the UK politics live blog.
The people of Makerfield, a constituency sitting just outside of Wigan, have at last begun voting in what could be one of the most consequential byelections in British political history.
Since Labour MP Josh Simons resigned to allow the mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham a clear run at returning to parliament – and the opportunity to become prime minister – residents have been inundated with party campaigners and reporters.
Yesterday Burnham urged people to “vote to change politics” and said he would take the “fight as high as I can possibly take it”.
But, despite the seat being considered one of Labour’s safest (it has been red since its creation in 1983), the governing party face a stiff challenge in the shape of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
A Reform UK placard of their byelection candidate Robert Kenyon stands outside a home on June 03, 2026 in Ashton-in-Makerfield, England.
A Reform UK placard of their byelection candidate Robert Kenyon stands outside a home on June 03, 2026 in Ashton-in-Makerfield, England. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Although the Reform candidate Robert Kenyon’s campaign has been bogged down with the revelation of historic sexist social media post and, shall we say, less than impressive media performances under scrutiny, pollsters have the contest a close run thing.
It comes as Starmer on Wednesday said he was willing to offer the mayor of Greater Manchester a “big” job in his government, should Burnham win when Thursday’s votes are counted.
But allies of Burnham said he was not interested in the offer, insisting “the benefit Andy has is the wind of change for not having been associated with the government’s failings”.
Greater Manchester mayor and Labour candidate Andy Burnham delivers a speech on apprenticeships, ahead of the June 18 Makerfield by-election, in Wigan, Britain, June 13, 2026.
Greater Manchester mayor and Labour candidate Andy Burnham delivers a speech on apprenticeships, ahead of the June 18 Makerfield by-election, in Wigan, Britain, June 13, 2026. Photograph: Temilade Adelaja/Reuters
Burnham and his allies are reported to be hoping for a “coronation” in which Starmer stands aside, rather than a leadership contest, which they believe would be damaging to the Labour party’s brand, according to the Times.
But the prime minister has repeatedly made it clear he has no intention of standing down and says that he will fight any challenge to his leadership.
What is certain is that the next 24 hours will prove to be a pivotal moment for this Labour government and, in particular, the prime minister.
Please be aware that the Guardian, like other new outlets, is not allowed to report details of campaigning or election issues while polls are still open today – they close at 10pm.
A person at the St Aidan’s Parish Centre polling station with their dog in Wigan, Britain, 18 June 2026.
A person at the St Aidan’s Parish Centre polling station with their dog in Wigan, Britain, 18 June 2026. Photograph: Adam Vaughan/EPA
But you can follow our blog for all the latest in UK politics, as well as I am sure plenty of photos of dogs at polling stations. Because, let’s face it, that really is the true meaning of any British election.
