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Polls open in historic byelection in Makerfield that could determine Keir Starmer’s future – UK politics live

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

‘Astonishing’ win for Andy Burnham puts pressure on Starmer to step aside

Andy Burnham’s majority](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jun/19/andy-burnham-wins-makerfield-byelection-paving-way-labour-leadership-challenge) was so convincing that allies hope he can be installed in No 10 within days. Louise Haigh, the Labour MP who helped run Burnham’s campaign, said

Labour MPs mull leadership challenge to prevent Burnham 'coronation'

considering launching leadership bids to prevent Andy Burnham becoming prime minister without a formal contest. Former defence minister Al Carns has said he is weighing up whether to run

No 10 says Starmer ‘will not walk away’ if Burnham officially enters Labour leadership contest - UK politics live

consider launching a bid to become the Labour leader.  Andy Burnham on BBC’s Question Time. Photograph: BBC Question Time/Reuters Appearing on Question Time last

Starmer given a lifeline after Streeting challenge fails to materialise

Andy Burnham, needs a parliamentary seat to challenge Keir Starmer. Photograph: Ryan Jenkinson/Getty Images However, the prime minister’s fragile authority has been further weakened by the resignation of four ministers – three of them close

‘It’s Andy or bust’: could Burnham’s return to parliament save Starmer?

Burnham. “If there is a coup on 8 May that would be catastrophic,” one leftwing MP said. “We won’t back it, because we need to wait for Andy.” Some, however, worry that dragging things

Most Labour members think Starmer cannot revive party fortunes, poll finds

run for parliament, which has been blocked by Labour’s governing national executive committee (NEC). The poll of more than 1,000 party members shows a sharp rise in the number of members dissatisfied with

Thames Water investors say temporary nationalisation would slow its recovery

Andy Burnham to put key utilities under public control](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/16/andy-burnham-energy-water-under-public-control-keir-starmer). As Keir Starmer’s grip on power appeared to be fading, the Greater Manchester mayor suggested at the weekend that the renationalisation

Labour's Andy Burnham wins a special election, setting up a showdown with Starmer to lead Britain

Andy Burnham speaks after winning the Makerfield by-election, paving the way for a leadership challenge against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. in Wigan, England, Friday, June 19, 2026. **Jon Super/AP** Jon Super/AP Wes Streeting

How team Burnham finally cleared the first of many hurdles on route to Westminster

Andy Burnham’s supporters had told MPs to “hold the line”, that he had a seat in parliament in his sights and that he would be a contender in any leadership contest. That was never

Andy Burnham faces perilous race to win Makerfield byelection, allies say

considering his political future, and allies say that despite his public defiance he is now willing to stand aside should Burnham win a clear mandate in Makerfield and no other challenger emerges. If he loses

Analysis: Everything points to Burnham becoming PM within weeks

running to be the MP for Makerfield. Some MPs loyal to Sir Keir had discussed the idea of putting up a candidate from their own side if there was no other challenger

Billionaire Trump donor in line to make millions from Thames Water bid

run for the Conservative party leadership; the money was returned by the Electoral Commission as “impermissible”, reportedly because Singer’s address was not up to date at the time. Singer, 81, donated

PM under pressure from Labour MPs and ministers to set timetable for exit

Andy Burnham won a resounding victory in the Makerfield by-election. A growing number of Labour MPs are urging Sir Keir to announce plans to hand power to the former Greater Manchester mayor, without

Burnham prepares for power as an emotional Starmer bows out

Andy Burnham](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/andyburnham) all but certain to succeed him. In an extraordinary day at Westminster, Starmer announced a timetable for his departure after months of growing discontent among [Labour](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/labour)

Why has Keir Starmer resigned as UK prime minister, and who will take over?

run in a leadership contest. However, on Monday, he endorsed Burnham instead. “Having spoken at length to Andy in recent days, I’m convinced that there is a place for those ideas under his leadership

Monday briefing: How is it possible the prime minister didn’t know about Mandelson’s vetting failure?

running the show behind the scenes by seemingly pressing ahead with a plan without consulting ministers about an important change of circumstances. [As revealed on Friday](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/apr/17/keir-starmer-kept-in-dark-peter-mandelson-vetting-two-top-civil-servants), Starmer was apparently left

UK’s defence plan is underfunded and outdated, says Al Carns after resignation

run for leader should a contest be triggered in the coming weeks. Carns told the BBC’s Today programme: “I didn’t think the funding settlement was correct for defence, and I didn’t agree

Political turmoil: UK will see its seventh prime minister in 10 years

Andy Burnham](/news/2026/5/19/king-of-the-north-who-is-andy-burnham-a-potential-uk-prime-minister) ultimately triggered the resignation. ## Who has led the UK over the past 10 years? Since 2016, the UK has had six prime ministers, averaging one every one and a half

Andy Burnham vows to ‘change Labour’ in direct challenge to Keir Starmer

Andy Burnham drew the battle lines for the future of the Labour party on Monday as the Greater Manchester mayor promised he would “change Labour” and win back the voters the party had lost. Burnham