Weeks of speculation and debate were put to bed at around 4am today (June 19), when Ashton-in-Makerfield’s returning officer announced that Labour’s Andy Burnham had stomped the competition and made his Westminster return.
The now former Mayor of Greater Manchester even managed to improve his party’s majority from the General Election, winning a 9,000-vote majority with 55 per cent of the vote, streets ahead of Reform UK’s local plumber, Robert Kenyon.
Now he has won the by-election, the conversation immediately moves to if, or when, he will succeed Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.
Labour MPs in East Lancashire, who have woken up to a rare seismic win after their recent local election losses, have shared what Burnham’s victory means for the future of the Labour Party – and the rest of the country.
Sarah Smith MP
The MP for Hyndburn, elected as part of Starmer's landslide in 2024, was unequivocal in her support for Andy Burnham before and after the by-election.
She has today called on the Prime Minister to prepare an ‘orderly transition of power’.
Mrs Smith said: “Andy Burnham achieved an incredible victory last night in a political climate where such results are far from guaranteed for Labour.
"It shows that we can win back the hearts and minds of people when we offer hope for the future and a clear rejection of the divisive politics of Reform.
“I'm well aware that Hyndburn, like Makerfield recently, have voted in huge numbers for the Reform Party.
“While Andy's personal popularity is undoubtedly a major part of his success, it remains a fact that if we are to re-engage across the country, we must take seriously the issues that matter most to people: growing British industry to create good jobs, creating growth outside of our city regions and tackling illegal immigration.
"Andy’s mandate is clear, and now it is time for Keir Starmer to outline his plan for an orderly transition of power.
“This is essential to our nation's future and to winning back the trust of those people who need a Labour Government to deliver for them.”
Andy MacNae MP
Also part of the 2024 cohort, the MP for Rossendale and Darwen sees the dominating win as a hopeful sign, stating that a Burnham win is a victory for small towns, but remained tight-lipped on who his pick for PM is.
Mr MacNae said: “Andy Burnham’s victory in Makerfield is a brilliant demonstration of what can happen when you have a candidate who listens and responds, and a campaign which focuses on hope and positivity over division.
“I was there in Makerfield myself, and I’d like to thank the voters who chose to put their faith in Andy, alongside all our volunteers and activists who contributed to this outstanding result.
“I’m very pleased that Andy Burnham shares my concerns about small towns being overlooked.
"I have been raising the need to focus on areas which have been left behind for a long time, in Parliament, in the press, within the Labour party and with local authorities.
"I look forward to working with Andy to bring about change for places like Rossendale and Darwen.
“Next week, I’ll be fully engaged in a number of discussions, but today my focus is on delivering results for my constituents.
"I'm meeting with Lancashire County Council and setting out my concerns on road safety, pushing for a Rawtenstall rail link and discussing other issues which have been raised with me.”
Jonathan Hinder MP
Elected in Sir Keir's seismic election win, the MP for Pendle and Clitheroe said that Burnham’s win could finally deliver something that people have supported for years, but failed to realise – investment in the north of England.
Like Mr MacNae, however, he has not yet pinned his colours to the mast.
Jonathan Hinder MP said: “Huge congratulations to Andy Burnham on a massive win, securing 55 per cent of the vote to become the new MP for Makerfield!
“Andy ran on a promise to build a Labour Party that truly represents places like Pendle and Clitheroe - focusing on what matters most: high-quality apprenticeships, protecting our NHS, and real investment in the North.
“For too long, Westminster and the South have held all the focus. That must change now.
“As Andy said in his acceptance speech: ‘People here have voted for change. They have voted for more power for the North and everywhere forgotten by Westminster; they have voted for hope. Now let's give that back to them'.
“Andy has always been a champion for the North, and I look forward to working alongside him down in Parliament.
“This result proves that a hopeful, unifying approach to politics is exactly what our country is looking for.
"When we come together, listen with humility, and put our heartlands first, we win.”
Burnley MP Oliver Ryan and Ribble Valley MP Maya Ellis have been contacted for comment.
Adnan Hussain, the independent MP for Blackburn, has also been contacted.
The question also shifts in Greater Manchester to who replaces Andy Burnham as mayor. Can a new Labour candidate retain the goodwill Mr Burnham had in the region, or will the results of recent local elections, where Reform made sweeping gains, mean it can wrestle one of the most significant mayoralties from Labour?
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