Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election for Labour comfortably, taking the seat with a clear lead over Reform UK. The result matters because it gives Burnham a route back to Westminster and strengthens his potential challenge to Labour’s leadership, while also showing that Labour can still mobilise support in parts of Greater Manchester despite weak national polling.

Burnham received 24,927 votes, or 54.8%, against Reform candidate Robert Kenyon’s 15,696 votes, or 34.5%, a majority of 9,231 and a 3.44-point swing from Reform to Labour. However, Reform’s vote was its highest total to date and its second-highest share, highlighting its growing local support; Labour’s success also followed wards in the area moving strongly towards Reform in recent local elections.