5 resultsfor “impact of Burnham's victory on Labour party”
victory will now trigger a Labour leadership contest, during which the government will be consumed by Labour’s internal politics rather than governing. The Conservatives were on 2%, and in fourth place, in Makerfield
victory in a general election. Despite polling 10 plus points ahead of Labour nationally, Makerfield marks the second byelection loss in a row for [Reform UK](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/brexit-party) this year, and the first facing
Burnham. Photograph: Paul Ellis/Reuters Less than two years ago, [Keir Starmer](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/keir-starmer) swept to a remarkable victory in the 2024 general election, winning an enormous majority on the promise of change and accountability
victory, Starmer promised the public that his government would “fight every day until you believe again”. Now, Starmer is faced with the uncomfortable truth that the frustrated yet united coalition that brought him into
Burnham and Wes Streeting of putting Labour’s future at risk by abandoning the centre ground, [warning that the party’s](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/26/tony-blair-labour-abandon-net-zero-support-donald-trump) “almost infinite capacity for self-delusion” means it is likely