Andy Burnham Launches Makerfield By-Election Campaign With “Change Labour” Speech

Andy Burnham formally launched his campaign for the Makerfield by-election today, using a speech that many political commentators believe was aimed as much at Westminster as it was at local voters.

Speaking to supporters in Makerfield, Burnham said British politics had become “tired” and declared that a vote for him would be “a vote to change Labour”. He argued that the Labour Party needed to reconnect with working-class communities and offer a more ambitious vision for the North of England.

The Greater Manchester Mayor told supporters:

“This is not business as usual. This is not more of the same.”

Burnham said voters were looking for a “new script” in politics and claimed there was “hope in the air” as he began his attempt to return to Westminster after nearly a decade away from Parliament.

Key Themes From Burnham’s Speech

“Change Labour”

One of the clearest messages from the launch was Burnham’s belief that Labour has drifted away from traditional supporters. He repeatedly stressed that the party “needs to be better” and said people in communities like Makerfield deserved “the party they used to know”.

Northern Power and “Manchester-ism”

Burnham again promoted his idea that Greater Manchester’s approach to transport, housing and devolution could become a blueprint for the rest of the country. He argued that politics needed to become more interventionist and locally focused.

Transport and Public Ownership

Transport was another major focus. Burnham pointed to Greater Manchester’s bus franchising system as evidence that public control can improve services. He also criticised the cost of rail travel, highlighting the high price of journeys between Wigan and London.

Housing and Tax Reform

The Mayor also floated more radical economic ideas, including greater investment in council housing and reforms to wealth and land taxation. He suggested land in Britain is “undertaxed” and called for changes to council tax and property taxation.

Leadership Speculation

Although Burnham stopped short of openly challenging Keir Starmer, today’s launch intensified speculation that he could eventually seek the Labour leadership if he returns to Parliament.

Several reports described the speech as a thinly veiled pitch for Number 10.

Who Is Running Against Andy Burnham?

The Makerfield by-election is already shaping up to be one of the biggest political contests of 2026.

Robert Kenyon – Reform UK

Reform UK are expected to be Labour’s biggest challengers in the seat. The party performed strongly in recent local elections across the area, and Burnham acknowledged that Reform pose a genuine threat.

Nigel Farage’s party is hoping to capitalise on voter frustration over immigration, the economy and dissatisfaction with both major parties.

Jake Austin – Liberal Democrats

The Liberal Democrats have also confirmed candidate Jake Austin for the by-election. While the party is not expected to win the seat, they will hope to attract tactical anti-Reform voters and disillusioned centrists.

Green Party Situation

The Green Party’s original candidate, Chris Kennedy, withdrew shortly after his candidacy was announced.

It remains unclear whether the Greens will nominate a replacement candidate before polling day.

Why Makerfield Matters Nationally

The by-election has become much more than a local contest. Many Labour MPs and commentators now see it as an unofficial test of Burnham’s ability to lead Labour nationally.

A strong victory could dramatically increase pressure on Starmer and strengthen Burnham’s position inside the party. However, a defeat — especially to Reform UK — would likely damage his leadership prospects.

The vote is scheduled for June 18th, and political attention across the UK is now firmly focused on Makerfield.